Is Brownwood or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brownwood is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 26/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 35% lower. Brownwood has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Brownwood has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 140.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brownwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brownwood, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brownwood | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,608.9 | 4,012.2 | -1,403.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 362.1 | 539.9 | -177.8 |
| Murder Rate | 10.7 | 17.5 | -6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 85.2 | 58.8 | +26.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.0 | 335.3 | -319.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 250.2 | 128.3 | +121.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,246.8 | 3,472.4 | -1,225.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 420.6 | 294.8 | +125.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,682.5 | 2,318.8 | -636.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 143.8 | 858.9 | -715.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brownwood or Chicago safer?
Brownwood is safer with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brownwood has a violent crime rate of 362.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Brownwood has lower violent crime.
About Brownwood, TX
Brownwood, Texas, county seat of Brown County, is a city in Central Texas established in 1856. It hosts Howard Payne University and sits at the confluence of Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 18,782, Brownwood has a total crime rate of 2,608.9 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.