Is Chicago or Merrimack Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Merrimack is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 97/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 344 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 violent crime, where Merrimack has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 89.0x 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
Merrimack — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Merrimack, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Merrimack | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 344.0 | +3,668.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 0.0 | +539.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 0.0 | +128.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 344.0 | +3,128.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 13.5 | +281.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 313.7 | +2,005.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 16.9 | +842.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Merrimack safer?
Merrimack is safer with a total crime rate of 344 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 Merrimack has 0.0. Merrimack 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 Merrimack, NH
Merrimack, a town bisected by the Merrimack River, was once home to the historic Reeds Ferry lumber industry. Today, it's a suburban community in Hillsborough County with a population of about 27,000. With a safety score of 97/100 and a population coverage of 29,650, Merrimack has a total crime rate of 344.0 per 100,000 residents.