Is Chicago or Cottonwood Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cottonwood Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 49/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,702 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 58% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Cottonwood Heights has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 83.0x 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
Cottonwood Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Cottonwood Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,702.4 | +2,309.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 88.1 | +451.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.2 | +14.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.9 | +39.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 28.3 | +307.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 37.8 | +90.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,614.3 | +1,858.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 125.9 | +168.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,362.6 | +956.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 125.9 | +733.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Cottonwood Heights safer?
Cottonwood Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,702 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Cottonwood Heights has 88.1. Cottonwood Heights 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 Cottonwood Heights, UT
Cottonwood Heights, nestled against the Wasatch Range foothills, was incorporated in 2005, reflecting its primarily residential character. This affluent Salt Lake County suburb features a significant proportion of residents with higher education degrees. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 31,778, Cottonwood Heights has a total crime rate of 1,702.4 per 100,000 residents.