Is Blacksburg or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Blacksburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 82/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 792 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 80% lower. Blacksburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Blacksburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 57.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Blacksburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Blacksburg, VA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Blacksburg | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 791.5 | 4,012.2 | -3,220.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.5 | 539.9 | -463.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 58.8 | -17.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.2 | 335.3 | -333.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 32.8 | 128.3 | -95.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 715.0 | 3,472.4 | -2,757.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.8 | 294.8 | -227.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 623.2 | 2,318.8 | -1,695.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.1 | 858.9 | -834.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blacksburg or Chicago safer?
Blacksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 792 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Blacksburg has a violent crime rate of 76.5 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Blacksburg has lower violent crime.
About Blacksburg, VA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg, Virginia, is a college town dominated by Virginia Tech. Its population is approximately 45,000, with students making up a significant portion. The town's vibrant atmosphere is a direct reflection of the university's influence. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 45,734, Blacksburg has a total crime rate of 791.5 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.