Is Augusta or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Augusta (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,341 for Augusta — 8% lower. Augusta has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Augusta has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 137.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Augusta, ME?
Augusta — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Augusta, ME
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Augusta | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,341.5 | 4,012.2 | +329.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 250.5 | 539.9 | -289.4 |
| Murder Rate | 5.2 | 17.5 | -12.3 |
| Rape Rate | 125.2 | 58.8 | +66.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.4 | 335.3 | -324.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 109.6 | 128.3 | -18.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,091.0 | 3,472.4 | +618.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 234.8 | 294.8 | -60.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,668.3 | 2,318.8 | +1,349.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 187.9 | 858.9 | -671.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Augusta or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,341 for Augusta — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Augusta has a violent crime rate of 250.5 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Augusta has lower violent crime.
About Augusta, ME
Augusta, Maine, the state capital, sits along the Kennebec River, a historic waterway once vital for logging. With a population of around 19,000, it's a small city, home to the Maine State Museum and numerous government buildings. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 19,164, Augusta has a total crime rate of 4,341.5 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.