Is Brownsville or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brownsville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 31/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,398 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 40% lower. Brownsville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brownsville has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 13.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brownsville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brownsville, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brownsville | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,397.8 | 4,012.2 | -1,614.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 456.0 | 539.9 | -83.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.1 | 17.5 | -15.4 |
| Rape Rate | 30.9 | 58.8 | -27.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.7 | 335.3 | -274.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 362.4 | 128.3 | +234.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,941.7 | 3,472.4 | -1,530.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 192.5 | 294.8 | -102.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,335.6 | 2,318.8 | -983.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 413.7 | 858.9 | -445.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brownsville or Chicago safer?
Brownsville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,398 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brownsville has a violent crime rate of 456.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Brownsville has lower violent crime.
About Brownsville, TX
Brownsville, the southernmost city in Texas, is a vibrant border community with a rich Tejano heritage. Situated on the Rio Grande, it's home to a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 191,221, Brownsville has a total crime rate of 2,397.8 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.