Is Chicago or Fairfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairfield is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 51/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,659 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 59% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 59.6x 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
Fairfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fairfield, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fairfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,659.3 | +2,353.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 167.1 | +372.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 20.3 | +38.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 9.0 | +326.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 137.7 | -9.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,492.2 | +1,980.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 94.8 | +200.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,234.9 | +1,083.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 162.5 | +696.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fairfield safer?
Fairfield is safer with a total crime rate of 1,659 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fairfield has 167.1. Fairfield 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 Fairfield, OH
Fairfield, Ohio, a city in Butler County, was incorporated in 1955. It's home to Jungle Jim's International Market, a massive grocery store and local landmark, and has a population of over 42,000 residents. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 44,296, Fairfield has a total crime rate of 1,659.3 per 100,000 residents.