Is Chicago or Mesquite Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesquite is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,480 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 13% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mesquite has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 17.7x 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
Mesquite — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mesquite, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mesquite | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,479.8 | +532.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 503.4 | +36.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.0 | +13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.3 | +18.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 80.6 | +254.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 376.3 | -248.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,976.4 | +496.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 391.8 | -97.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,965.0 | +353.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 619.6 | +239.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mesquite safer?
Mesquite is safer with a total crime rate of 3,480 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mesquite has 503.4. Mesquite 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 Mesquite, TX
Mesquite, a Dallas suburb, was once known as the "Rodeo Capital of Texas." Situated east of Dallas, its population is over 150,000, with a diverse demographic makeup. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 148,803, Mesquite has a total crime rate of 3,479.8 per 100,000 residents.