Is Branson or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Branson (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,494 for Branson — 38% lower. Branson has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Branson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 203.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Branson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Branson, MO
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Branson | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,493.6 | 4,012.2 | +2,481.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.6 | 539.9 | -62.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 84.7 | 58.8 | +26.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.2 | 335.3 | -289.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 346.6 | 128.3 | +218.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,016.0 | 3,472.4 | +2,543.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 215.7 | 294.8 | -79.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 5,461.4 | 2,318.8 | +3,142.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 338.9 | 858.9 | -519.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Branson or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,494 for Branson — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Branson has a violent crime rate of 477.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Branson has lower violent crime.
About Branson, MO
Branson, a popular Midwest tourist destination, is known for its live entertainment theaters, attracting millions of visitors annually. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Taney County, it's a small city with a significant transient population. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 12,982, Branson has a total crime rate of 6,493.6 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.