Is Laconia or Manchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manchester is safer than Laconia (Safety Score 41/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100,000 versus 2,678 for Laconia — 26% lower. Laconia has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Manchester has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Manchester is 6.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Laconia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Manchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laconia, NH
Manchester, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Laconia | Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,677.6 | 1,985.0 | +692.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 145.2 | 336.9 | -191.7 |
| Murder Rate | 5.8 | 1.7 | +4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 63.9 | 52.0 | +11.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.5 | 58.0 | -11.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 29.0 | 224.3 | -195.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,532.4 | 1,648.1 | +884.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 69.7 | 92.7 | -23.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,317.5 | 1,404.8 | +912.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 145.2 | 150.7 | -5.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laconia or Manchester safer?
Manchester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100K vs 2,678 for Laconia — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Laconia has a violent crime rate of 145.2 per 100K while Manchester has 336.9. Laconia has lower violent crime.
About Laconia, NH
Laconia, NH, once a bustling mill town known for its knitting mills, sits between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam. This Belknap County city, with a population around 17,000, hosts Motorcycle Week annually. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 17,217, Laconia has a total crime rate of 2,677.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Manchester, NH
Manchester, once a mill town powered by the Merrimack River, is New Hampshire's largest city. Its historic Amoskeag Millyard now houses businesses and a university, reflecting a shift towards a service-based economy. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 115,464, Manchester has a total crime rate of 1,985.0 per 100,000 residents.