Is Chicago or Davidson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Davidson is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 92/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 488 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 88% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Davidson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 184.1x 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
Davidson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Davidson, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Davidson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 488.4 | +3,523.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 41.9 | +498.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.0 | +328.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 34.9 | +93.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 446.6 | +3,025.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 90.7 | +204.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 307.0 | +2,011.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 48.8 | +810.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Davidson safer?
Davidson is safer with a total crime rate of 488 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Davidson has 41.9. Davidson 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 Davidson, NC
Davidson, North Carolina, a charming college town north of Charlotte, is home to Davidson College, founded in 1837. This Mecklenburg County community, known for its tree-lined streets and walkable downtown, boasts a highly educated populace. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 14,332, Davidson has a total crime rate of 488.4 per 100,000 residents.