Is Chicago or La Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, La Mesa is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 47/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,794 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 55% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where La Mesa has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 43.7x 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
La Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
La Mesa, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | La Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,794.5 | +2,217.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 415.9 | +124.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.6 | +10.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 13.3 | +45.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 82.9 | +252.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 313.2 | -184.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,378.6 | +2,093.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 220.4 | +74.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 896.4 | +1,422.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 261.8 | +597.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or La Mesa safer?
La Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,794 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while La Mesa has 415.9. La Mesa 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 La Mesa, CA
La Mesa, "The Jewel of the Hills," is a city in San Diego County. Once home to a major stagecoach stop, it sits east of downtown San Diego, with a population exceeding 60,000. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 60,352, La Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,794.5 per 100,000 residents.