Is Alexandria or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Alexandria is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 22/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,859 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 29% lower. Alexandria has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Alexandria has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 17.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Alexandria — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Alexandria, VA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alexandria | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,859.1 | 4,012.2 | -1,153.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 219.1 | 539.9 | -320.7 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 17.5 | -16.2 |
| Rape Rate | 7.7 | 58.8 | -51.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 72.8 | 335.3 | -262.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 137.3 | 128.3 | +9.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,640.0 | 3,472.4 | -832.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 294.8 | -198.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,301.6 | 2,318.8 | -17.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 242.3 | 858.9 | -616.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Chicago safer?
Alexandria is safer with a total crime rate of 2,859 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alexandria has a violent crime rate of 219.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Alexandria has lower violent crime.
About Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, Virginia, a historic city across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., boasts cobblestone streets in Old Town and a diverse population. Its waterfront played a vital role in colonial trade and continues to attract visitors. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 155,153, Alexandria has a total crime rate of 2,859.1 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.