Is Chicago or Melissa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Melissa is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 96/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 377 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 91% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Melissa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 94.8x 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
Melissa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Melissa, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Melissa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 377.3 | +3,635.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 35.9 | +503.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 7.2 | +51.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 28.7 | +99.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 341.4 | +3,131.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 61.1 | +233.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 247.9 | +2,070.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 32.3 | +826.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Melissa safer?
Melissa is safer with a total crime rate of 377 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 91% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Melissa has 35.9. Melissa 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 Melissa, TX
Melissa, Texas, a rapidly growing community north of Dallas, was established in 1873 along the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. With a population exceeding 20,000, it's transforming from a rural farming area into a bustling suburban hub. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 27,831, Melissa has a total crime rate of 377.3 per 100,000 residents.