Is Burlington or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 34/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,239 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 44% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Burlington has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 112.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, IA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,239.4 | 4,012.2 | -1,772.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 413.8 | 539.9 | -126.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 17.5 | -8.9 |
| Rape Rate | 38.4 | 58.8 | -20.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 17.1 | 335.3 | -318.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 349.8 | 128.3 | +221.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,825.6 | 3,472.4 | -1,646.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 273.0 | 294.8 | -21.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,356.4 | 2,318.8 | -962.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 196.2 | 858.9 | -662.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Chicago safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 2,239 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 413.8 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, IA
Burlington, Iowa, a historic Mississippi River town, was once the state's first capital. Located in Des Moines County, its population is approximately 23,000. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 23,444, Burlington has a total crime rate of 2,239.4 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.