Is Chicago or Merriam Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Merriam (Safety Score 8/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,022 for Merriam — 33% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Merriam has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 244.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Merriam — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Merriam, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Merriam | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,021.9 | -2,009.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 435.4 | +104.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 9.3 | +8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 74.1 | -15.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.5 | +316.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 333.5 | -205.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,586.4 | -2,114.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 315.0 | -20.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 4,261.6 | -1,942.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,009.8 | -151.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Merriam safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,022 for Merriam — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Merriam has 435.4. Merriam 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 Merriam, KS
Merriam, Kansas, a first-tier suburb of Kansas City, was once home to Merriam Park, a popular late 19th-century amusement park. Today, this city in Johnson County is known for its diverse housing stock and proximity to major highways. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 10,794, Merriam has a total crime rate of 6,021.9 per 100,000 residents.