Is Ashland or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ashland is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,703 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 33% lower. Ashland has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ashland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 125.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ashland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ashland, KY
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ashland | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,703.4 | 4,012.2 | -1,308.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.9 | 539.9 | -340.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 71.4 | 58.8 | +12.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.0 | 335.3 | -316.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 109.5 | 128.3 | -18.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,503.5 | 3,472.4 | -968.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 285.6 | 294.8 | -9.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,003.7 | 2,318.8 | -315.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 214.2 | 858.9 | -644.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashland or Chicago safer?
Ashland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,703 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 199.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Ashland has lower violent crime.
About Ashland, KY
Ashland, a city in Boyd County, Kentucky, lies along the Ohio River. Once a major hub for the iron and steel industry, it now serves as a regional center for healthcare and education. The city is home to roughly 20,000 residents. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 21,011, Ashland has a total crime rate of 2,703.4 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.