Is Ottawa or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ottawa is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 50/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,683 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 68% lower. Ottawa has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ottawa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 80.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ottawa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ottawa, IL
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ottawa | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,682.5 | 5,219.0 | -3,536.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 187.0 | 595.3 | -408.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.1 | 83.7 | -19.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 5.3 | 108.4 | -103.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 117.5 | 393.7 | -276.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,495.6 | 4,623.6 | -3,128.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 288.4 | 495.6 | -207.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,116.3 | 3,291.8 | -2,175.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 90.8 | 836.3 | -745.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa or San Antonio safer?
Ottawa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,683 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ottawa has a violent crime rate of 187.0 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. Ottawa has lower violent crime.
About Ottawa, IL
Ottawa, Illinois, nestled at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers, was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. This LaSalle County seat has a population of around 18,000. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 18,722, Ottawa has a total crime rate of 1,682.5 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.