Is Chicago or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 28% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Cruces has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 22.8x 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
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,594.2 | -1,582.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 720.8 | -181.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.1 | +5.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 57.8 | +1.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 57.8 | +277.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 592.4 | -464.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,873.4 | -1,401.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 737.2 | -442.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,442.9 | -1,124.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 693.2 | +165.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Las Cruces safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. 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 Las Cruces, NM
Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces is New Mexico's second-largest city, known for its vibrant Hatch chile industry. Home to New Mexico State University, it boasts a diverse population and a rich history influenced by Spanish and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 115,977, Las Cruces has a total crime rate of 5,594.2 per 100,000 residents.