Is Chicago or Colonial Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Colonial Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,644 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 9% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Colonial Heights has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 141.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colonial Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Colonial Heights, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Colonial Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,644.2 | +368.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 462.2 | +77.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.8 | +6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 26.9 | +31.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 53.8 | +281.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 370.9 | -242.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,181.9 | +290.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 161.3 | +133.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,913.2 | -594.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 107.5 | +751.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Colonial Heights safer?
Colonial Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 3,644 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Colonial Heights has 462.2. Colonial Heights has lower violent crime.
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.
About Colonial Heights, VA
Colonial Heights, an independent city in Virginia, is nestled along the Appomattox River, just south of Petersburg. Historically significant for its role in the Bermuda Hundred Campaign during the Civil War, it remains a smaller community, covering only about 7.5 square miles. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 18,605, Colonial Heights has a total crime rate of 3,644.2 per 100,000 residents.