Is Burlington or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Burlington (Safety Score 8/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,142 for Burlington — 35% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 245.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, WA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,142.0 | 4,012.2 | +2,129.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 74.3 | 539.9 | -465.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 58.8 | -40.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.9 | 335.3 | -307.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 27.9 | 128.3 | -100.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,067.7 | 3,472.4 | +2,595.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.4 | 294.8 | +132.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 5,389.3 | 2,318.8 | +3,070.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 250.9 | 858.9 | -608.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,142 for Burlington — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 74.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, WA
Burlington, Washington, is a Skagit Valley city incorporated in 1890, known for its agriculture and proximity to the Puget Sound. It's a small city with a population around 10,000, situated along Interstate 5. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 10,762, Burlington has a total crime rate of 6,142.0 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.