Is Meridian or Moscow Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Meridian is safer than Moscow (Safety Score 85/100 vs 73/100), with a total crime rate of 718 per 100,000 versus 1,034 for Moscow — 31% lower. Meridian has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Moscow has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Meridian is 5.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Meridian — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Moscow — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Meridian, ID
Moscow, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Meridian | Moscow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 718.2 | 1,034.3 | -316.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 146.8 | 18.7 | +128.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 0.0 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 29.9 | 0.0 | +29.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.7 | 0.0 | +10.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 105.5 | 18.7 | +86.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 571.4 | 1,015.6 | -444.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 52.0 | 108.7 | -56.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 482.4 | 884.4 | -402.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 37.1 | 22.5 | +14.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meridian or Moscow safer?
Meridian is safer with a total crime rate of 718 per 100K vs 1,034 for Moscow — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Meridian has a violent crime rate of 146.8 per 100K while Moscow has 18.7. Moscow has lower violent crime.
About Meridian, ID
Meridian, Idaho, once known as "Hunter," is a rapidly growing city in Ada County, part of the Boise metropolitan area. Its population has surged, and it hosts the annual Meridian Dairy Days, a nod to its agricultural past. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 140,353, Meridian has a total crime rate of 718.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Moscow, ID
Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho Vandals, is a college town nestled in the scenic Palouse region. This close-knit community of around 25,000 residents thrives on its academic and agricultural roots. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 26,684, Moscow has a total crime rate of 1,034.3 per 100,000 residents.