Is Amherst or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Amherst is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 77/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 939 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 77% lower. Amherst has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Amherst has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 221.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Amherst — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Amherst, NH
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Amherst | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 939.4 | 4,012.2 | -3,072.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 8.4 | 539.9 | -531.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 58.8 | -58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 8.4 | 128.3 | -119.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 931.1 | 3,472.4 | -2,541.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 16.8 | 294.8 | -278.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 914.3 | 2,318.8 | -1,404.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 0.0 | 858.9 | -858.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amherst or Chicago safer?
Amherst is safer with a total crime rate of 939 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Amherst has a violent crime rate of 8.4 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Amherst has lower violent crime.
About Amherst, NH
Amherst, New Hampshire, a town incorporated in 1760, is home to a population of over 11,000 residents. Located in Hillsborough County, it features a classic New England common. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 11,922, Amherst has a total crime rate of 939.4 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.