Is Binghamton or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Binghamton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,948 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 2% lower. Binghamton has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Binghamton has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 56.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Binghamton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Binghamton, NY
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Binghamton | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,948.0 | 4,012.2 | -64.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 534.7 | 539.9 | -5.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.5 | 17.5 | -11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.2 | 58.8 | -0.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 73.3 | 335.3 | -262.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 394.6 | 128.3 | +266.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,413.3 | 3,472.4 | -59.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 422.6 | 294.8 | +127.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,788.0 | 2,318.8 | +469.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 202.7 | 858.9 | -656.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Binghamton or Chicago safer?
Binghamton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,948 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Binghamton has a violent crime rate of 534.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Binghamton has lower violent crime.
About Binghamton, NY
Binghamton, a former industrial hub in New York's Southern Tier, is known for its carousel heritage. Situated at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, its population is diverse, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 46,378, Binghamton has a total crime rate of 3,948.0 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.