Is Chicago or Elkton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Elkton (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,318 for Elkton — 36% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 164.7x 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
Elkton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Elkton, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Elkton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,318.3 | -2,306.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,086.4 | -546.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.5 | +5.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 124.9 | -66.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 243.5 | +91.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 699.3 | -570.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,231.9 | -1,759.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 630.6 | -335.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,633.6 | -1,314.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 967.7 | -108.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Elkton safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,318 for Elkton — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Elkton has 1,086.4. Chicago 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 Elkton, MD
Elkton, Maryland, once known as the "Marriage Capital of the East," is the seat of Cecil County. Located near the head of the Chesapeake Bay, its population is a diverse mix of families and commuters. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 16,017, Elkton has a total crime rate of 6,318.3 per 100,000 residents.