Is Alton or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Alton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,640 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 9% lower. Alton has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Alton has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 106.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Alton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Alton, IL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alton | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,639.8 | 4,012.2 | -372.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 971.4 | 539.9 | +431.6 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 17.5 | -5.4 |
| Rape Rate | 137.1 | 58.8 | +78.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.9 | 335.3 | -218.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.3 | 128.3 | +569.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,668.4 | 3,472.4 | -804.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 943.2 | 294.8 | +648.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,487.4 | 2,318.8 | -831.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 237.8 | 858.9 | -621.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alton or Chicago safer?
Alton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,640 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alton has a violent crime rate of 971.4 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Alton, IL
Alton, Illinois, a river town on the Mississippi, is known for its limestone bluffs and as the site of the final Lincoln-Douglas debate. Located just north of St. Louis, it has a population of around 25,000. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 24,809, Alton has a total crime rate of 3,639.8 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.