Is Bristol or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,463 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 14% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 157.3x 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, VA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,463.5 | 4,012.2 | -548.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 435.2 | 539.9 | -104.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 95.4 | 58.8 | +36.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.8 | 335.3 | -299.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 304.0 | 128.3 | +175.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,028.3 | 3,472.4 | -444.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 292.1 | 294.8 | -2.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,563.3 | 2,318.8 | +244.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.9 | 858.9 | -686.0 |
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 3,463 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 435.2 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, VA
Nestled in Southwest Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, Bristol is a twin city with its Tennessee counterpart, sharing State Street as a unique border. It holds the distinction as the "Birthplace of Country Music," a heritage deeply rooted in its culture. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 16,775, Bristol has a total crime rate of 3,463.5 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.