Is Chicago or Columbia Borough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia Borough is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 32/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,326 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 42% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbia Borough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 252.6x 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
Columbia Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Columbia Borough, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Columbia Borough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,326.5 | +1,685.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 296.8 | +243.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 38.3 | +297.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 258.5 | -130.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,029.7 | +1,442.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 153.2 | +141.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,732.9 | +585.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 143.6 | +715.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Columbia Borough safer?
Columbia Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 2,326 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Columbia Borough has 296.8. Columbia Borough 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 Columbia Borough, PA
Columbia Borough, settled along the Susquehanna River, boasts a rich industrial past as a key railroad town. This diverse community of over 10,000 residents lies in Lancaster County, known for its scenic beauty. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 10,445, Columbia Borough has a total crime rate of 2,326.5 per 100,000 residents.