Is Chicago or Elon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elon is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 96/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 388 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 90% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Elon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 227.8x 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
Elon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Elon, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Elon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 388.4 | +3,623.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 77.7 | +462.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 25.9 | +32.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 51.8 | +76.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 310.8 | +3,161.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 69.1 | +225.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 207.2 | +2,111.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 34.5 | +824.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Elon safer?
Elon is safer with a total crime rate of 388 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Elon has 77.7. Elon 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 Elon, NC
Elon, North Carolina, home to Elon University, is a small town in Alamance County. Its population is predominantly young due to the university's presence. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 11,585, Elon has a total crime rate of 388.4 per 100,000 residents.