Deep Ellum, Dallas is a neighborhood that carries a negative reputation when it comes to crime and violence. However, it still has some positives to offer. If you’re considering a trip to Deep Ellum, you may be wondering what you should expect in terms of safety.
Deep Ellum is a bit safer now than it used to be. Because the local business and party scene is not as lively as it was in the 20th century, things have somewhat calmed down in the area.
Below, we’ll discuss how Deep Ellum has improved over the years and what it has to offer. Keep reading to learn more!
Is Deep Ellum Safe?
Deep Ellum, interestingly, was settled by previously enslaved African-Аmericans after the Civil War.
It later became the home of a Ford factory, which helped give lots of people good-paying jobs.
Deep Ellum came into its prime in the 1920s, when it became a lively center for entertainment, particularly jazz and blues musicians.
Throughout the 20th century, crime ran rampant in Deep Ellum due to the sheer number of people who flocked to this area.
But, as the number of businesses declined due to financial strain, mostly due to the rampant crime, many people moved away from the area.
This has caused crime to decrease slightly.
Although there still is some crime in the area, Deep Ellum is currently much safer than it was in its heyday. However, the neighborhood still does have a higher crime rate than the rest of Dallas.
Despite the higher crime rate, people still seem to enjoy living in and visiting this neighborhood.
While the crime statistics in Deep Ellum are not the best, they’re not as bad as they used to be.
Some residents swear that Deep Ellum is safe. However, others disagree with this statement.
When you inquire whether Deep Ellum is safe, the answer will depend on who you ask.
What Types of Crime Are Most Common in Deep Ellum?
In 2022 alone, Deep Ellum has witnessed over 500 crimes, with 46 being violent crimes like aggravated assaults and homicides.
According to Dallas News, the most common type of crime in Deep Ellum involves theft from vehicles.
This includes vehicle break-ins and people stealing components of the vehicle itself.
The city has reported 25 aggravated assaults this year, including both shootings and stabbings.
What is Being Done to Improve Deep Ellum’s Safety?
The main reason crime rates have slightly decreased in Deep Ellum is the huge efforts Texas is putting into overseeing the neighborhood and improving its safety.
Dallas has dedicated a branch of its police force to manage the higher-than-average crime rate in Deep Ellum in hopes of bringing crime down for good. The city has also created The Deep Ellum Foundation, which established a comprehensive plan to improve safety measures.
How to Stay Safe When You Visit Deep Ellum
If you choose to move to or visit Deep Ellum, there are a few safety measures you should adhere to for your well-being.
Park on well-lit, busy streets, and avoid parking on the outskirts of the city to keep your car safe.
If you are driving somewhere, try to leave early to find a good parking spot.
Stick to the busiest lots you can find, as there is safety in numbers and spots in these lots tend to fill up quickly.
As with all cities, the easiest way to stay safe in Deep Ellum is to always stay aware of your surroundings.
Criminals usually look for those who are the most vulnerable and unaware to target.
In Conclusion
Crime in Deep Ellum has improved slightly since the neighborhood’s heyday, as much of the entertainment scene has declined and there are fewer tourists than in the past.
Deep Ellum’s most common type of crime is theft from vehicles.
However, the neighborhood has also experienced over 40 violent crimes in 2022, including 25 aggravated assaults.
Dallas has attempted to improve Deep Ellum’s safety rating by dedicating a police force to the area specifically to focus on proactively managing and preventing crime.
When visiting Deep Ellum, avoid parking on the outskirts of the city, ensure you park in busy lots, and always stay as aware of your surroundings as possible.
