Is Big Spring or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Big Spring is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,548 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 12% lower. Big Spring has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Big Spring has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 124.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Big Spring — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Big Spring, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Big Spring | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,548.4 | 4,012.2 | -463.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 762.4 | 539.9 | +222.5 |
| Murder Rate | 14.1 | 17.5 | -3.4 |
| Rape Rate | 61.2 | 58.8 | +2.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 47.1 | 335.3 | -288.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 640.0 | 128.3 | +511.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,786.0 | 3,472.4 | -686.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 607.1 | 294.8 | +312.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,877.7 | 2,318.8 | -441.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 301.2 | 858.9 | -557.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Spring or Chicago safer?
Big Spring is safer with a total crime rate of 3,548 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Big Spring has a violent crime rate of 762.4 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Big Spring, TX
Big Spring, Texas, in Howard County, began as a watering hole on the Comanche Trail. This West Texas city is a hub for oil and gas, with a population around 28,000. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 21,249, Big Spring has a total crime rate of 3,548.4 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.