Is Chicago or Hobbs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Hobbs (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,544 for Hobbs — 12% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Hobbs has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 67.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hobbs — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hobbs, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hobbs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,544.3 | -532.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 792.9 | -253.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 20.5 | -3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 66.7 | -7.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 51.3 | +284.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 651.8 | -523.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,751.4 | -279.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 869.9 | -575.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,512.1 | -193.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 369.5 | +489.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hobbs safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,544 for Hobbs — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hobbs has 792.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Hobbs, NM
Hobbs, New Mexico, a city founded on the oil industry, sits in the southeastern corner of the state, near the Texas border. It's the largest community in Lea County, with a diverse, growing population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 38,972, Hobbs has a total crime rate of 4,544.3 per 100,000 residents.