Is Chicago or El Paso Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Paso is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 47/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 56% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where El Paso has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 3.9x 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
El Paso — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
El Paso, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | El Paso | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,773.0 | +2,239.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 279.0 | +260.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.0 | +14.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.6 | +58.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 37.1 | +298.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 237.8 | -109.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,494.0 | +1,978.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 140.2 | +154.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,072.4 | +1,246.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 281.4 | +577.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or El Paso safer?
El Paso is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while El Paso has 279.0. El Paso 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 El Paso, TX
Nestled at the base of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a large border city with a rich Tejano heritage. Its unique position makes it the largest binational metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, boasting a vibrant blend of American and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 678,860, El Paso has a total crime rate of 1,773.0 per 100,000 residents.