Is Carrboro or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carrboro is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 37/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,110 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 47% lower. Carrboro has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Carrboro has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 125.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carrboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carrboro, NC
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carrboro | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,109.8 | 4,012.2 | -1,902.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 180.6 | 539.9 | -359.3 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 17.5 | -12.7 |
| Rape Rate | 23.8 | 58.8 | -35.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.0 | 335.3 | -316.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 133.1 | 128.3 | +4.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,929.2 | 3,472.4 | -1,543.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 285.1 | 294.8 | -9.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,387.5 | 2,318.8 | -931.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 256.6 | 858.9 | -602.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrboro or Chicago safer?
Carrboro is safer with a total crime rate of 2,110 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carrboro has a violent crime rate of 180.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Carrboro has lower violent crime.
About Carrboro, NC
Carrboro, a small town in Orange County adjacent to Chapel Hill, is historically a mill town known for its progressive politics and vibrant arts scene. Its population is notably diverse, with a significant student presence from UNC. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 21,045, Carrboro has a total crime rate of 2,109.8 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.