Is Caldwell or Meridian Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Meridian is safer than Caldwell (Safety Score 85/100 vs 59/100), with a total crime rate of 718 per 100,000 versus 1,430 for Caldwell — 50% lower. Caldwell has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Meridian has a 68% lower rate.
Caldwell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Meridian — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Caldwell, ID
Meridian, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Caldwell | Meridian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,430.1 | 718.2 | +711.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 452.8 | 146.8 | +306.0 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 0.7 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 85.8 | 29.9 | +55.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 5.6 | 10.7 | -5.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 360.0 | 105.5 | +254.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 977.3 | 571.4 | +405.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 147.7 | 52.0 | +95.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 736.8 | 482.4 | +254.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 92.8 | 37.1 | +55.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caldwell or Meridian safer?
Meridian is safer with a total crime rate of 718 per 100K vs 1,430 for Caldwell — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Caldwell has a violent crime rate of 452.8 per 100K while Meridian has 146.8. Meridian has lower violent crime.
About Caldwell, ID
Caldwell, Idaho, a city in Canyon County, is home to the College of Idaho, established in 1891. Situated along the Boise River, it's a growing community within the Treasure Valley. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 71,115, Caldwell has a total crime rate of 1,430.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Meridian, ID
Meridian, Idaho, once known as "Hunter," is a rapidly growing city in Ada County, part of the Boise metropolitan area. Its population has surged, and it hosts the annual Meridian Dairy Days, a nod to its agricultural past. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 140,353, Meridian has a total crime rate of 718.2 per 100,000 residents.