Is Chicago or Mcallen Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mcallen is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 50% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mcallen has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 17.8x 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
Mcallen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mcallen, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mcallen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,986.3 | +2,026.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 150.7 | +389.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.7 | +14.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 39.2 | +19.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 23.7 | +311.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 84.5 | +43.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,835.6 | +1,636.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 63.5 | +231.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,704.5 | +614.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 67.6 | +791.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mcallen safer?
Mcallen is safer with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mcallen has 150.7. Mcallen 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 Mcallen, TX
McAllen, Texas, a vibrant city in the Rio Grande Valley, thrives as a major retail and medical hub. Its subtropical climate and proximity to the Mexican border, just south of Hidalgo, have historically shaped its unique cultural identity. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 148,017, Mcallen has a total crime rate of 1,986.3 per 100,000 residents.