Is Chicago or Denton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Denton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 42/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,949 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 robbery, where Denton has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 16.0x 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
Denton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Denton, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Denton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,948.8 | +2,063.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 204.2 | +335.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.3 | +13.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 57.7 | +1.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 26.1 | +309.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 116.1 | +12.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,744.6 | +1,727.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 133.1 | +161.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,470.5 | +848.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 141.0 | +717.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Denton safer?
Denton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,949 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 Denton has 204.2. Denton 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 Denton, TX
Denton, home to two universities, is a growing city north of Dallas and Fort Worth. Its vibrant music scene, particularly its jazz heritage, is well-known. The population is diverse, with a notable student presence. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 164,565, Denton has a total crime rate of 1,948.8 per 100,000 residents.