Is Ashtabula or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ashtabula is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 70/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,106 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 72% lower. Ashtabula has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ashtabula has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 148.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ashtabula — 1-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ashtabula, OH
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ashtabula | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,105.9 | 4,012.2 | -2,906.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 186.2 | 539.9 | -353.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 39.5 | 58.8 | -19.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.1 | 335.3 | -273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 84.6 | 128.3 | -43.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 919.7 | 3,472.4 | -2,552.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 220.1 | 294.8 | -74.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 615.0 | 2,318.8 | -1,703.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 84.6 | 858.9 | -774.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashtabula or Chicago safer?
Ashtabula is safer with a total crime rate of 1,106 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ashtabula has a violent crime rate of 186.2 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Ashtabula has lower violent crime.
About Ashtabula, OH
Ashtabula, a port city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich maritime history, including its role on the Underground Railroad. This small city in northeast Ohio has seen a decline in population since its industrial peak. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 17,723, Ashtabula has a total crime rate of 1,105.9 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.