Is Chatham or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chatham is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 89/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 597 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 85% lower. Chatham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chatham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 181.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chatham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chatham, IL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chatham | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 597.5 | 4,012.2 | -3,414.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 103.0 | 539.9 | -436.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 20.6 | 58.8 | -38.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 82.4 | 128.3 | -45.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 494.4 | 3,472.4 | -2,978.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 89.3 | 294.8 | -205.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 391.4 | 2,318.8 | -1,927.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 13.7 | 858.9 | -845.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chatham or Chicago safer?
Chatham is safer with a total crime rate of 597 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chatham has a violent crime rate of 103.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chatham has lower violent crime.
About Chatham, IL
Chatham, a village south of Springfield, Illinois, was founded in 1836. It's home to roughly 14,000 residents, primarily families and commuters. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 14,562, Chatham has a total crime rate of 597.5 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.