Is Allentown or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Allentown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 45/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 54% lower. Allentown has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Allentown has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 21.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Allentown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 4,012.2 | -2,171.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 539.9 | -267.8 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 17.5 | -14.3 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 58.8 | -32.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 335.3 | -278.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 128.3 | +57.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 3,472.4 | -1,903.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 294.8 | -173.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 2,318.8 | -1,066.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 858.9 | -663.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Chicago safer?
Allentown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Allentown has lower violent crime.
About Allentown, PA
Allentown, a former industrial hub in eastern Pennsylvania, is the third-largest city in the state. Home to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, it sits along the Lehigh River with a diverse population. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 124,599, Allentown has a total crime rate of 1,841.1 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.