Is Chicago or Columbus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 22/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 29% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbus has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 13.1x 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
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Columbus, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,843.9 | +1,168.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 608.3 | -68.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.9 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 25.4 | +33.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 50.7 | +284.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 514.8 | -386.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,235.6 | +1,236.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 353.6 | -58.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,635.8 | +682.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 246.2 | +612.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Columbus safer?
Columbus is safer with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Columbus has 608.3. 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 Columbus, GA
Columbus, Georgia, a city on the Chattahoochee River, is home to Fort Moore, a major US Army installation. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys a vibrant arts scene and a rich industrial heritage. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 201,061, Columbus has a total crime rate of 2,843.9 per 100,000 residents.