Is Europe safer than America?

Comparing crime rates between European and American cities proves to be a complex task, as reporting habits and definitions vary. To overcome these challenges, a team of criminologists led by Matt Ashby from University College London compiled a dataset using 20 rich-world cities with populations of 2.5 million or more. They standardized the boundaries and harmonized crime definitions to enable a fair comparison.

When examining murder rates, which offer a globally consistent measure of safety, Chicago emerges as the most dangerous city in the dataset, with 587 homicides in 2024, resulting in a rate of 22 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly three times higher than the next-worst offender, Los Angeles. However, when considering other types of crime, the disparities between regions are not as pronounced.

Robberies involving force occur at similar rates in Europe and America, while vehicle thefts are prevalent in both regions, though New York fairs better than many European cities. Domestic burglaries are more common in Europe.

The researchers observe that social safety nets in Europe might deter some criminal activities, while America's robust policing and higher incarceration rates could help level the playing field. Regarding reporting discrepancies, the researchers emphasize the difficulties in obtaining accurate data. For example, official figures for rape in England and Wales have doubled over the past decade, but confidential surveys suggest the actual number of cases has remained stable, with the increase due to more victims coming forward and improved reporting.

Despite the inherent challenges in comparing crime rates across countries, the overall trends indicate improvements in both Europe and America. In recent years, murder rates in London and New York have hit the lowest levels since records began. Personal robbery in Paris has dropped nearly in half over the last decade. In conclusion, cities in both Europe and America have become safer, friendlier, and more enjoyable than they were a generation ago, a development worth celebrating.