Is Eugene or Merced Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Eugene is safer than Merced (Safety Score 12/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 3,574 per 100,000 versus 3,577 for Merced — 0% lower. Eugene has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Eugene has a 85% lower rate.
Eugene — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Merced — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Eugene, OR
Merced, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Eugene | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,574.1 | 3,577.3 | -3.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 318.4 | 784.8 | -466.4 |
| Murder Rate | 1.1 | 7.3 | -6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 103.0 | -57.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 70.8 | 166.5 | -95.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.9 | 507.9 | -308.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,255.7 | 2,792.6 | +463.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 475.7 | 569.3 | -93.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,458.2 | 1,738.2 | +720.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 321.8 | 485.0 | -163.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eugene or Merced safer?
Eugene is safer with a total crime rate of 3,574 per 100K vs 3,577 for Merced — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Eugene has a violent crime rate of 318.4 per 100K while Merced has 784.8. Eugene has lower violent crime.
About Eugene, OR
Eugene, Oregon, nestled in the Willamette Valley, is a city with a strong counter-culture legacy and a significant student population due to the University of Oregon. Its verdant surroundings are characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 178,057, Eugene has a total crime rate of 3,574.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Merced, CA
Merced, a Central Valley city known for its proximity to Yosemite, serves as a significant agricultural hub. This community, home to a University of California campus, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 96,077, Merced has a total crime rate of 3,577.3 per 100,000 residents.