Is Auburn or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 71/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,086 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 73% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Auburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 31.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, AL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,086.5 | 4,012.2 | -2,925.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 107.5 | 539.9 | -432.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 58.8 | -39.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.6 | 335.3 | -325.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 78.8 | 128.3 | -49.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 979.0 | 3,472.4 | -2,493.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 39.4 | 294.8 | -255.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 871.6 | 2,318.8 | -1,447.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 68.1 | 858.9 | -790.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Chicago safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,086 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 107.5 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, AL
Auburn, Alabama, a historic college town in eastern Alabama, is home to Auburn University, a land-grant institution. It boasts a growing population of over 76,000 residents, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 83,756, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,086.5 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.