Is Chicago or Columbus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 74/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 75% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbus has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 107.3x 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 — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Columbus, NE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,012.4 | +2,999.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 85.4 | +454.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 44.7 | +14.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 4.1 | +331.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 36.6 | +91.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 927.0 | +2,545.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 93.5 | +201.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 768.5 | +1,550.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 65.1 | +793.8 |
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 1,012 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Columbus has 85.4. Columbus 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, NE
Columbus, Nebraska, a city named after Christopher Columbus, sits on the Loup and Platte Rivers. It is the county seat of Platte County and has a population of over 24,000. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 24,595, Columbus has a total crime rate of 1,012.4 per 100,000 residents.