Is Chicago or Fairborn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairborn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairborn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 75.9x 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
Fairborn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fairborn, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fairborn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,567.0 | +2,445.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 273.2 | +266.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 80.5 | -21.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 25.9 | +309.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 166.8 | -38.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,293.9 | +2,178.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 178.3 | +116.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 900.0 | +1,418.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 215.7 | +643.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fairborn safer?
Fairborn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fairborn has 273.2. Fairborn 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 Fairborn, OH
Fairborn, Ohio, once home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is a Greene County city east of Dayton. Its population is diverse, with a notable student presence from Central State and Wright State Universities. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 34,779, Fairborn has a total crime rate of 1,567.0 per 100,000 residents.