These tables show that crime rates are higher in the cities in population group I subset, 1,000,000 and over (largest cities), then they are in cities in population group VI, under 10,000 (smallest cities). However you might be surprised by how small the difference is in some categories.

For example forcible rapes in the 1,000,000 and over category occur at a rate 32.2 instances per 100,000 people. While in the 10,000 and under category 29.8 rapes occur per 100,000 people. This is just one example here is a link to the chart so you can see all the statistics. http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/data/table_16.html

If you compare specific places you might actually find that certain big cities are safer then some small or rural cities. But when compared nationaly small cities are safer based on the FBI data. If you are interested in comparing specific place crime rates the FBI offers raw data for that as well you just have to do the math yourself. http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/data/table_08.html Just chose the state you want and it will give you a list of cities in the state.

You’d be wrong. You’re starting at something already disproven, with facts. NYC for example, is scores lower than small-towns per capita, per 1000 residents than over 100 cities. Crime correlates to economics. Just Google “crime rates” and localities of your choice.

There’s less people per 1000 being killed, if this is what you’re getting at — in affluent SUBURBS because everyone’s sleeping by 11pm for work the next day. But then, of course, the news of a break-in triple homicide will make news… (as in Connecticut last month). A small town still has crime, but doesn’t have the media to report them — nor, the police to enforce laws, and often times, it’s embarassing in a small town to say who is raping, abusing and molesting whom.. in a small town. Abduction happen in small towns everywhere, don’t bury your head in the sand… ever see video of 100s of men & women volunteering to comb a roadside or grassy land, in search of a body or clues… THAT isn’t happening in a big city. Come on, it’s 2007 — and there’s plenty of coffee in the offering, everywhere (smell some). Even a small town has a Starbucks, by now.

PS — people leave NYC for example, by the 1000s every week for someplace in New Jersey. There’s 300 people killed in Brooklyn (4.3 million residents) – therefore let’s say the GroupThink is that that NJ would be “safer”.. yet, there’s 500+ people killed on the NJ Garden State Pkwy alone, year after year.. and so, are people actually safer? (hmmmm?)

Small towns where?

and what do you mean by “crimes”?