Is Bozeman or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bozeman is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,193 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 45% lower. Bozeman has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bozeman has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 45.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bozeman — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bozeman, MT
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bozeman | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,192.8 | 4,012.2 | -1,819.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 437.5 | 539.9 | -102.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 85.5 | 58.8 | +26.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 12.0 | 335.3 | -323.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 336.7 | 128.3 | +208.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,755.3 | 3,472.4 | -1,717.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 143.6 | 294.8 | -151.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,514.3 | 2,318.8 | -804.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 97.4 | 858.9 | -761.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bozeman or Chicago safer?
Bozeman is safer with a total crime rate of 2,193 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bozeman has a violent crime rate of 437.5 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bozeman has lower violent crime.
About Bozeman, MT
Bozeman, Montana, once a bustling railroad town, sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, home to Montana State University. Its population has steadily increased, drawing new residents to its outdoor recreation and historic Main Street. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 58,509, Bozeman has a total crime rate of 2,192.8 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.