Is Merced or Rockford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Merced is safer than Rockford (Safety Score 12/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100,000 versus 3,599 for Rockford — 1% lower. Merced has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Merced has a 44% lower rate.
Merced — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rockford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Merced, CA
Rockford, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Merced | Rockford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,577.3 | 3,598.6 | -21.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 784.8 | 1,081.4 | -296.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.3 | 13.1 | -5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 103.0 | 69.5 | +33.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 166.5 | 106.7 | +59.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 507.9 | 890.7 | -382.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,792.6 | 2,517.2 | +275.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 569.3 | 632.6 | -63.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,738.2 | 1,444.8 | +293.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 485.0 | 439.8 | +45.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Rockford safer?
Merced is safer with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100K vs 3,599 for Rockford — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Merced has a violent crime rate of 784.8 per 100K while Rockford has 1,081.4. Merced has lower violent crime.
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.
About Rockford, IL
Rockford, once known as "Forest City," sits on the Rock River in northern Illinois. Its manufacturing history shaped a blue-collar community of just under 150,000 residents. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 145,280, Rockford has a total crime rate of 3,598.6 per 100,000 residents.