Is Chicago or Laredo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Laredo is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 46/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 54% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Laredo has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 10.2x 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
Laredo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Laredo, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Laredo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,830.7 | +2,181.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 365.8 | +174.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.3 | +15.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 47.6 | +11.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 48.8 | +286.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 267.1 | -138.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,464.9 | +2,007.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 199.4 | +95.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,100.6 | +1,218.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 164.9 | +694.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Laredo safer?
Laredo is safer with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Laredo has 365.8. Laredo 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 Laredo, TX
Laredo, a historic border city on the Rio Grande, boasts a rich Tejano culture. As a major port of entry to Mexico, it's a bustling hub of international trade. The city is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting its deep ties to Latin America. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 258,311, Laredo has a total crime rate of 1,830.7 per 100,000 residents.