Is Bartow or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bartow is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 33/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,282 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 43% lower. Bartow has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bartow has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 126.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bartow — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bartow, FL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bartow | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,281.8 | 4,012.2 | -1,730.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 491.7 | 539.9 | -48.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 17.5 | -12.7 |
| Rape Rate | 43.0 | 58.8 | -15.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 66.8 | 335.3 | -268.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 377.1 | 128.3 | +248.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,790.2 | 3,472.4 | -1,682.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.4 | 294.8 | +77.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,298.5 | 2,318.8 | -1,020.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 119.3 | 858.9 | -739.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartow or Chicago safer?
Bartow is safer with a total crime rate of 2,282 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bartow has a violent crime rate of 491.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bartow has lower violent crime.
About Bartow, FL
Bartow, the "City of Oaks and Azaleas," is the county seat of Polk County in Central Florida. Founded in 1851, it's home to the historic Polk County Courthouse and a diverse population of about 20,000 residents. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 20,948, Bartow has a total crime rate of 2,281.8 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.