Is Chicago or Elizabeth City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elizabeth City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,728 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 32% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Elizabeth City has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 138.4x 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
Elizabeth City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Elizabeth City, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Elizabeth City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,727.7 | +1,284.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 341.0 | +198.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 15.7 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 31.5 | +27.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 47.2 | +288.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 246.5 | -118.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,386.7 | +1,085.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 503.6 | -208.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,589.4 | +729.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 293.8 | +565.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Elizabeth City safer?
Elizabeth City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,728 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Elizabeth City has 341.0. Elizabeth City 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 Elizabeth City, NC
Elizabeth City, a historic Albemarle region port founded in 1794, sits on the Pasquotank River. This northeastern North Carolina county seat is home to approximately 17,000 residents. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 19,064, Elizabeth City has a total crime rate of 2,727.7 per 100,000 residents.