Is Chicago or Mercedes Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mercedes is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,611 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 10% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mercedes has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 156.2x 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
Mercedes — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mercedes, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mercedes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,611.0 | +401.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 402.5 | +137.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 94.7 | -35.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 29.6 | +305.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 278.2 | -149.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,208.4 | +264.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 177.6 | +117.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,723.0 | -404.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 307.8 | +551.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mercedes safer?
Mercedes is safer with a total crime rate of 3,611 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mercedes has 402.5. Mercedes 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 Mercedes, TX
Mercedes, "Queen City of the Valley," is a small city in Hidalgo County, Texas, near the Mexican border. Founded in 1907 with the arrival of the railroad, its economy has historically relied on agriculture and international trade. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 16,893, Mercedes has a total crime rate of 3,611.0 per 100,000 residents.