Is Baytown or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Baytown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,241 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 19% lower. Baytown has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Baytown has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 31.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Baytown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baytown, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baytown | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,241.3 | 4,012.2 | -770.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 440.0 | 539.9 | -99.9 |
| Murder Rate | 7.2 | 17.5 | -10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 76.5 | 58.8 | +17.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.6 | 335.3 | -270.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 291.7 | 128.3 | +163.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,801.3 | 3,472.4 | -671.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 389.8 | 294.8 | +95.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,962.0 | 2,318.8 | -356.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 449.6 | 858.9 | -409.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baytown or Chicago safer?
Baytown is safer with a total crime rate of 3,241 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baytown has a violent crime rate of 440.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Baytown has lower violent crime.
About Baytown, TX
Baytown, Texas, a petrochemical hub on Galveston Bay, was formed by the 1948 merger of Goose Creek, Pelly, and Baytown. This Houston-area city is home to a diverse population of over 80,000 residents. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 83,639, Baytown has a total crime rate of 3,241.3 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.