Is Bristol or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 99/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 243 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 94% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 118.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bristol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, RI
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 242.6 | 4,012.2 | -3,769.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 27.0 | 539.9 | -512.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 4.5 | 58.8 | -54.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 22.5 | 128.3 | -105.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 215.6 | 3,472.4 | -3,256.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 13.5 | 294.8 | -281.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 179.7 | 2,318.8 | -2,139.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 22.5 | 858.9 | -836.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Chicago safer?
Bristol is safer with a total crime rate of 243 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 94% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 27.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, RI
Bristol, Rhode Island, a charming coastal town, boasts a rich maritime history, home to the oldest continuously celebrated Fourth of July parade. Situated on a peninsula, it offers picturesque waterfront views and a population of around 22,000. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 22,262, Bristol has a total crime rate of 242.6 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.