Is Altoona or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Altoona is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 46% lower. Altoona has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Altoona has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 62.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Altoona — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Altoona, PA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Altoona | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,185.1 | 4,012.2 | -1,827.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 334.7 | 539.9 | -205.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 17.5 | -15.1 |
| Rape Rate | 75.4 | 58.8 | +16.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 73.1 | 335.3 | -262.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 183.9 | 128.3 | +55.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,850.4 | 3,472.4 | -1,622.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 332.4 | 294.8 | +37.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,402.5 | 2,318.8 | -916.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.5 | 858.9 | -743.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altoona or Chicago safer?
Altoona is safer with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Altoona has a violent crime rate of 334.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Altoona has lower violent crime.
About Altoona, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona was once a vital railroad town, home to the Pennsylvania Railroad's extensive shops. Its population of around 44,000 reflects a legacy of industrial heritage. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 42,424, Altoona has a total crime rate of 2,185.1 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.