Is Atchison or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Atchison is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 57/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,481 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Atchison has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Atchison has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 248.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Atchison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Atchison, KS
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Atchison | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,480.6 | 4,012.2 | -2,531.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 150.9 | 539.9 | -389.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 47.2 | 58.8 | -11.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.4 | 335.3 | -325.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 94.3 | 128.3 | -34.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,329.7 | 3,472.4 | -2,142.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 122.6 | 294.8 | -172.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,103.4 | 2,318.8 | -1,215.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.7 | 858.9 | -755.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atchison or Chicago safer?
Atchison is safer with a total crime rate of 1,481 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Atchison has a violent crime rate of 150.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Atchison has lower violent crime.
About Atchison, KS
Atchison, the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, sits on the Missouri River in northeastern Kansas. This small city, with a population around 10,000, maintains a historic downtown reflecting its past as a railway hub. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 10,604, Atchison has a total crime rate of 1,480.6 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.