Is Chico or San Marcos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chico is safer than San Marcos (Safety Score 26/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 2,599 per 100,000 versus 2,617 for San Marcos — 1% lower. Chico has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Marcos has a 100% lower rate.
Chico — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Marcos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chico, CA
San Marcos, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chico | San Marcos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,599.4 | 2,616.8 | -17.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 701.2 | 358.9 | +342.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 0.0 | +2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 137.9 | 96.3 | +41.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 82.3 | 37.1 | +45.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 477.0 | 225.5 | +251.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,898.2 | 2,257.9 | -359.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 208.3 | 266.8 | -58.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,486.7 | 1,600.6 | -113.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 203.3 | 390.5 | -187.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chico or San Marcos safer?
Chico is safer with a total crime rate of 2,599 per 100K vs 2,617 for San Marcos — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chico has a violent crime rate of 701.2 per 100K while San Marcos has 358.9. San Marcos has lower violent crime.
About Chico, CA
Chico, home to California State University, Chico, is a city in the Sacramento Valley. It boasts Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The city's population is around 100,000. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 100,831, Chico has a total crime rate of 2,599.4 per 100,000 residents.
About San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, a city in Hays County, is known for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Spring Lake, home to several endangered species. Its population is primarily students attending Texas State University. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 72,723, San Marcos has a total crime rate of 2,616.8 per 100,000 residents.