Moving from Boulder, CO to Chicago, IL?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Boulder or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Boulder is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 19/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 24% lower. Boulder has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boulder has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 25.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Boulder, CO?
Boulder — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder, CO
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boulder | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,055.3 | 4,012.2 | -957.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.3 | 539.9 | -217.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 58.8 | -23.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 335.3 | -290.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.4 | 128.3 | +114.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,733.0 | 3,472.4 | -739.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 383.1 | 294.8 | +88.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,141.7 | 2,318.8 | -177.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 208.2 | 858.9 | -650.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Boulder, CO to Chicago, IL?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Chicago safer?
Boulder is safer with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boulder has a violent crime rate of 322.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Boulder has lower violent crime.
About Boulder, CO
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is home to a highly educated populace, with a significant portion holding advanced degrees. This university city, known for its outdoor recreation and progressive culture, sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 105,195, Boulder has a total crime rate of 3,055.3 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.