Is Chicago or Mendota Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mendota Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 71/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 73% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mendota Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 229.4x 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 Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mendota Heights, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mendota Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,069.5 | +2,942.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 191.3 | +348.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 52.2 | +6.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.7 | +326.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 130.4 | -2.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 878.2 | +2,594.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 156.5 | +138.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 660.8 | +1,658.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 60.9 | +798.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mendota Heights safer?
Mendota Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mendota Heights has 191.3. Mendota Heights 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 Heights, MN
Mendota Heights, a suburb south of St. Paul, is home to the historic Pilot Knob, a sacred Dakota site. This affluent community, bordered by the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, primarily consists of single-family homes. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 11,501, Mendota Heights has a total crime rate of 1,069.5 per 100,000 residents.