Is Athens or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Athens (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,288 for Athens — 6% lower. Athens has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Athens has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 176.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, TN
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,287.9 | 4,012.2 | +275.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 622.1 | 539.9 | +82.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.7 | 17.5 | -10.8 |
| Rape Rate | 33.5 | 58.8 | -25.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.8 | 335.3 | -288.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.2 | 128.3 | +406.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,665.8 | 3,472.4 | +193.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 434.8 | 294.8 | +140.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,930.0 | 2,318.8 | +611.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 301.0 | 858.9 | -557.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,288 for Athens — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 622.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Athens, TN
Athens, nestled in McMinn County, is home to Tennessee Wesleyan University, founded in 1857. This small city in East Tennessee sits amidst the Appalachian foothills, reflecting a blend of academic heritage and rural charm. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 14,949, Athens has a total crime rate of 4,287.9 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.