Is Ames or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ames is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 51/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 59% lower. Ames has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ames has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 40.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ames — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ames, IA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ames | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,653.8 | 4,012.2 | -2,358.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 148.3 | 539.9 | -391.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 70.3 | 58.8 | +11.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.6 | 335.3 | -327.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 70.3 | 128.3 | -58.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,505.5 | 3,472.4 | -1,966.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 172.7 | 294.8 | -122.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,244.2 | 2,318.8 | -1,074.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.7 | 858.9 | -770.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames or Chicago safer?
Ames is safer with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ames has a violent crime rate of 148.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Ames has lower violent crime.
About Ames, IA
Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University, is a city in Story County. This community in central Iowa has a significant student population, contributing to its vibrant academic atmosphere. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 65,426, Ames has a total crime rate of 1,653.8 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.