Is Chicago or Dalton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dalton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 37/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,146 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 47% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dalton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 76.4x 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
Dalton — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Dalton, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Dalton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,145.5 | +1,866.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 243.2 | +296.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 52.1 | +6.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 31.9 | +303.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 159.3 | -30.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,902.3 | +1,570.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 176.6 | +118.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,624.3 | +694.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 101.3 | +757.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Dalton safer?
Dalton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,146 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Dalton has 243.2. Dalton 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 Dalton, GA
Dalton, Georgia, the "Carpet Capital of the World," is a city in Whitfield County with a population of around 30,000. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it's known for its significant textile industry. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 34,537, Dalton has a total crime rate of 2,145.5 per 100,000 residents.