Is Bel Air or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bel Air is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 34/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,245 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 44% lower. Bel Air has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bel Air has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 253.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bel Air — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bel Air, MD
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bel Air | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,245.3 | 4,012.2 | -1,767.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 239.9 | 539.9 | -300.0 |
| Murder Rate | 9.6 | 17.5 | -7.9 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 58.8 | -49.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.8 | 335.3 | -306.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 191.9 | 128.3 | +63.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,005.4 | 3,472.4 | -1,467.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 294.8 | -198.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,823.1 | 2,318.8 | -495.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.4 | 858.9 | -772.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bel Air or Chicago safer?
Bel Air is safer with a total crime rate of 2,245 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bel Air has a violent crime rate of 239.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bel Air has lower violent crime.
About Bel Air, MD
Bel Air, Maryland, the county seat of Harford County, is a suburban community with a rich history, once serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Located north of Baltimore, its population is primarily composed of families and professionals. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 10,422, Bel Air has a total crime rate of 2,245.3 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.