Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Waukegan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waukegan is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 39/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,060 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 54% lower. Charlotte - Mecklenburg has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Waukegan has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 11.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waukegan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Waukegan, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | Waukegan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,439.0 | 2,059.6 | +2,379.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.7 | 445.2 | +288.5 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 5.7 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 24.9 | 88.4 | -63.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.4 | 60.8 | +69.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 567.0 | 290.3 | +276.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,705.3 | 1,614.4 | +2,090.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.1 | 270.8 | +156.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,518.2 | 819.2 | +1,699.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 760.0 | 524.4 | +235.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Waukegan safer?
Waukegan is safer with a total crime rate of 2,060 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a violent crime rate of 733.7 per 100K while Waukegan has 445.2. Waukegan has lower violent crime.
About Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Charlotte-Mecklenburg, a major financial hub, sits in the Carolina Piedmont. The region is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, reflecting its deep ties to motorsports. Its diverse population has grown significantly, making it North Carolina's largest county. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 1,003,130, Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a total crime rate of 4,439.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, a Lake Michigan port city, boasts Ray Bradbury's childhood home and a diverse population. Located 40 miles north of Chicago, it serves as the county seat of Lake County. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 87,155, Waukegan has a total crime rate of 2,059.6 per 100,000 residents.
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