Is Manchester or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Manchester (Safety Score 66/100 vs 41/100), with a total crime rate of 1,221 per 100,000 versus 1,985 for Manchester — 39% lower. Manchester has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rochester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Manchester is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Manchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Manchester, NH
Rochester, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Manchester | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,985.0 | 1,220.8 | +764.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 76.9 | +260.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 0.0 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 52.0 | 35.5 | +16.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 58.0 | 11.8 | +46.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 224.3 | 29.6 | +194.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,648.1 | 1,143.9 | +504.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 92.7 | 59.1 | +33.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,404.8 | 999.1 | +405.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.7 | 85.7 | +65.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manchester or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,221 per 100K vs 1,985 for Manchester — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Manchester has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while Rochester has 76.9. Rochester has lower violent crime.
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.
About Rochester, NH
Rochester, once a major shoemaking hub, sits along the Cocheco River in Strafford County. This small city in southeastern New Hampshire is home to over 32,000 residents. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 33,831, Rochester has a total crime rate of 1,220.8 per 100,000 residents.