Is Chicago or Colorado Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Colorado Springs (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,167 for Colorado Springs — 4% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Colorado Springs has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 5.4x 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
Colorado Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Colorado Springs, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Colorado Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,167.1 | -154.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 718.3 | -178.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.7 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 101.3 | -42.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 77.5 | +257.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 529.0 | -400.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,448.8 | +23.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 529.8 | -235.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,227.4 | +91.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 691.6 | +167.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Colorado Springs safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,167 for Colorado Springs — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Colorado Springs has 718.3. Chicago 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 Colorado Springs, CO
Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a city with a strong military presence, home to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Its population of over 480,000 residents enjoys a high desert climate. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 491,474, Colorado Springs has a total crime rate of 4,167.1 per 100,000 residents.