Is Aberdeen or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aberdeen is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 26/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,629 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 34% lower. Aberdeen has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Aberdeen has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 141.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Aberdeen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aberdeen, MD
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aberdeen | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,629.5 | 4,012.2 | -1,382.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 595.7 | 539.9 | +55.8 |
| Murder Rate | 21.5 | 17.5 | +4.0 |
| Rape Rate | 69.8 | 58.8 | +11.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 139.5 | 335.3 | -195.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 364.9 | 128.3 | +236.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,033.8 | 3,472.4 | -1,438.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.1 | 294.8 | -117.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,663.5 | 2,318.8 | -655.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 193.2 | 858.9 | -665.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aberdeen or Chicago safer?
Aberdeen is safer with a total crime rate of 2,629 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aberdeen has a violent crime rate of 595.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Aberdeen, MD
Aberdeen, Maryland, a Harford County city, is home to the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground, a major employer. Historically a railroad town, it sits near the Bush River, part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 18,635, Aberdeen has a total crime rate of 2,629.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.