Is Chicago or Elizabethtown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elizabethtown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 80/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 838 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Elizabethtown has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 78.7x 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
Elizabethtown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Elizabethtown, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Elizabethtown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 838.3 | +3,174.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 140.2 | +399.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 11.9 | +5.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 44.8 | +14.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 11.9 | +323.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 68.6 | +59.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 698.1 | +2,774.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 119.3 | +175.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 474.3 | +1,844.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 104.4 | +754.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Elizabethtown safer?
Elizabethtown is safer with a total crime rate of 838 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Elizabethtown has 140.2. Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown, KY
Elizabethtown, Kentucky, county seat of Hardin County, is known for its historic downtown and as a gateway to Abraham Lincoln's birthplace. Located at the intersection of I-65 and the Bluegrass Parkway, it serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 33,522, Elizabethtown has a total crime rate of 838.3 per 100,000 residents.