Is Austin or Chicago Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Chicago Heights (Safety Score 11/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 3,965 for Chicago Heights — 6% lower. Austin has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 38.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Chicago Heights, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Chicago Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,964.8 | -255.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 1,232.5 | -765.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 19.4 | -12.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 46.5 | +21.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 263.6 | -178.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 903.0 | -595.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,732.4 | +509.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 674.4 | -229.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,465.0 | +733.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 593.0 | +5.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Chicago Heights safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 3,965 for Chicago Heights — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Chicago Heights has 1,232.5. Austin has lower violent crime.
About Austin, TX
Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is a rapidly growing city in Central Texas. Situated on the Colorado River, it's the state capital and home to a diverse population, including many young professionals drawn to its tech industry. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 984,613, Austin has a total crime rate of 3,709.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights, once home to the Illinois Steel Company, is a diverse southern suburb of Chicago. Its population is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 25,802, Chicago Heights has a total crime rate of 3,964.8 per 100,000 residents.