Is Balch Springs or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Balch Springs is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,237 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 19% lower. Balch Springs has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Balch Springs has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 98.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Balch Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Balch Springs, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Balch Springs | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,236.5 | 4,012.2 | -775.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 421.3 | 539.9 | -118.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 41.0 | 58.8 | -17.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.1 | 335.3 | -227.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 268.5 | 128.3 | +140.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,815.2 | 3,472.4 | -657.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 331.9 | 294.8 | +37.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,830.8 | 2,318.8 | -488.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 652.5 | 858.9 | -206.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balch Springs or Chicago safer?
Balch Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 3,237 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Balch Springs has a violent crime rate of 421.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Balch Springs has lower violent crime.
About Balch Springs, TX
Balch Springs, a Dallas suburb, was once known as a farming community for its rich blackland prairie soil. Situated primarily in Dallas County, it's a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 26,819, Balch Springs has a total crime rate of 3,236.5 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.