Is Auburn or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,644 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 34% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Auburn has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 105.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, ME
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,644.0 | 4,012.2 | -1,368.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 215.7 | 539.9 | -324.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.0 | 17.5 | -13.5 |
| Rape Rate | 51.9 | 58.8 | -6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.9 | 335.3 | -295.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 119.8 | 128.3 | -8.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,428.3 | 3,472.4 | -1,044.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 143.8 | 294.8 | -151.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,088.8 | 2,318.8 | -229.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.7 | 858.9 | -663.2 |
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 2,644 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 215.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, ME
Auburn, Maine, once known as "The Twin Cities" with Lewiston, is a former shoe manufacturing hub along the Androscoggin River. It is home to a diverse population of just under 25,000 residents. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 25,038, Auburn has a total crime rate of 2,644.0 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.