Is Asheville or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Asheville (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,691 for Asheville — 14% lower. Asheville has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Asheville has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 27.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Asheville, NC?
Asheville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Asheville, NC
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Asheville | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,691.3 | 4,012.2 | +679.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 796.1 | 539.9 | +256.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.6 | 17.5 | -4.9 |
| Rape Rate | 86.1 | 58.8 | +27.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 113.4 | 335.3 | -221.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 583.9 | 128.3 | +455.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,895.2 | 3,472.4 | +422.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 601.8 | 294.8 | +307.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,956.3 | 2,318.8 | +637.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 337.1 | 858.9 | -521.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asheville or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,691 for Asheville — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Asheville has a violent crime rate of 796.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Asheville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant city known for its arts scene and the historic Biltmore Estate. Its population, predominantly white, enjoys a unique blend of Appalachian heritage and progressive culture. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 95,219, Asheville has a total crime rate of 4,691.3 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.