Is Bothell or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bothell is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 57/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,479 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Bothell has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bothell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 51.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bothell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bothell, WA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bothell | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,478.9 | 4,012.2 | -2,533.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 110.0 | 539.9 | -429.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 23.6 | 58.8 | -35.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.6 | 335.3 | -313.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 64.8 | 128.3 | -63.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,368.9 | 3,472.4 | -2,103.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 223.9 | 294.8 | -70.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 997.7 | 2,318.8 | -1,321.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 147.3 | 858.9 | -711.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bothell or Chicago safer?
Bothell is safer with a total crime rate of 1,479 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bothell has a violent crime rate of 110.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bothell has lower violent crime.
About Bothell, WA
Bothell, Washington, once home to a significant logging industry, is now a growing suburban city northeast of Seattle. It straddles King and Snohomish Counties, boasting a median age of around 37. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 50,917, Bothell has a total crime rate of 1,478.9 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.