Is Chicago or Mendota Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mendota is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 61/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,359 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 66% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mendota has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 210.9x 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
Mendota — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mendota, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mendota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,358.8 | +2,653.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 687.4 | -147.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.0 | +50.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 87.9 | +247.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 591.5 | -463.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 671.4 | +2,801.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 103.9 | +190.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 343.7 | +1,975.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 223.8 | +635.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mendota safer?
Mendota is safer with a total crime rate of 1,359 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mendota has 687.4. 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 Mendota, CA
Mendota, "Cantaloupe Center of the World," is a small city in Fresno County, California, situated in the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley. The city's population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the region's strong ties to farm labor. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 12,511, Mendota has a total crime rate of 1,358.8 per 100,000 residents.