Is Bardstown or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bardstown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,559 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Bardstown has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bardstown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 189.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bardstown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bardstown, KY
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bardstown | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,559.2 | 4,012.2 | -2,453.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 165.3 | 539.9 | -374.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 58.8 | -30.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.3 | 335.3 | -285.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 86.2 | 128.3 | -42.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,394.0 | 3,472.4 | -2,078.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 194.0 | 294.8 | -100.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,027.5 | 2,318.8 | -1,291.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.5 | 858.9 | -686.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bardstown or Chicago safer?
Bardstown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,559 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bardstown has a violent crime rate of 165.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bardstown has lower violent crime.
About Bardstown, KY
Bardstown, Kentucky, "Most Beautiful Small Town in America," is home to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This town of roughly 13,000 residents is located in Nelson County, part of the Louisville/Jefferson County metro area. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 13,917, Bardstown has a total crime rate of 1,559.2 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.