Is Chicago or Cookeville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cookeville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 42/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 51% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cookeville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 70.8x 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
Cookeville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Cookeville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Cookeville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,957.2 | +2,055.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 295.3 | +244.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 56.4 | +2.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.1 | +327.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 228.2 | -99.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,661.8 | +1,810.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 171.8 | +123.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,353.1 | +965.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 136.9 | +722.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Cookeville safer?
Cookeville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Cookeville has 295.3. Cookeville 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 Cookeville, TN
Cookeville, Tennessee, home to Tennessee Tech University, sits on the Highland Rim. Its population of around 35,000 residents enjoys a vibrant community with historic downtown and numerous outdoor attractions. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 37,248, Cookeville has a total crime rate of 1,957.2 per 100,000 residents.