Is Chicago or Nogales Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Nogales is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 10/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,830 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 5% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Nogales has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 134.0x 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
Nogales — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Nogales, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Nogales | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,830.1 | +182.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 228.6 | +311.3 |
| 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 | 228.6 | -100.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,601.5 | -129.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 477.5 | -182.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,291.0 | +27.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 833.1 | +25.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Nogales safer?
Nogales is safer with a total crime rate of 3,830 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Nogales has 228.6. Nogales 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 Nogales, AZ
Nogales, Arizona, a border town with Mexico, is bisected by the international boundary. Its historic downtown, once a bustling hub of commerce, reflects its unique binational character as a port of entry. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 19,686, Nogales has a total crime rate of 3,830.1 per 100,000 residents.