Is Bethel or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bethel is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 91/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 538 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 87% lower. Bethel has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bethel has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 126.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bethel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bethel, CT
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bethel | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 538.5 | 4,012.2 | -3,473.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 9.6 | 539.9 | -530.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 58.8 | -49.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 0.0 | 128.3 | -128.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 528.9 | 3,472.4 | -2,943.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 72.1 | 294.8 | -222.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 432.7 | 2,318.8 | -1,886.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.0 | 858.9 | -834.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethel or Chicago safer?
Bethel is safer with a total crime rate of 538 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bethel has a violent crime rate of 9.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bethel has lower violent crime.
About Bethel, CT
Bethel, Connecticut, a town in Fairfield County, retains its historic charm with a notable Victorian-era downtown. Situated roughly 60 miles northeast of New York City, it is home to a diverse population of approximately 20,000 residents. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 20,799, Bethel has a total crime rate of 538.5 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.