Is Alton or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Alton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,924 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Alton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Alton has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 119.2x 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, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alton | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,924.1 | 4,012.2 | -2,088.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 835.6 | 539.9 | +295.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 17.5 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 22.6 | 58.8 | -36.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.1 | 335.3 | -317.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 781.4 | 128.3 | +653.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,088.5 | 3,472.4 | -2,383.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 176.2 | 294.8 | -118.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 799.5 | 2,318.8 | -1,519.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.9 | 858.9 | -746.0 |
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 1,924 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alton has a violent crime rate of 835.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Alton, TX
Alton, Texas, a city in the Rio Grande Valley, was incorporated in 1978. It is primarily a residential community with a significant Hispanic population, situated just north of McAllen. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 22,140, Alton has a total crime rate of 1,924.1 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.