Is Chicago or Ferguson Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ferguson Township is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 92/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 517 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 87% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ferguson Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 139.3x 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
Ferguson Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Ferguson Township, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Ferguson Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 517.2 | +3,495.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 68.6 | +471.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 42.2 | +16.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 10.6 | +324.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 15.8 | +112.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 448.6 | +3,023.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 58.1 | +236.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 380.0 | +1,938.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 10.6 | +848.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ferguson Township safer?
Ferguson Township is safer with a total crime rate of 517 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Ferguson Township has 68.6. Ferguson Township 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 Ferguson Township, PA
Ferguson Township, located in Centre County, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant community bordering State College and home to many Penn State University faculty and staff. Its rolling hills and valleys are part of the the Appalachian Ridge-and-valley province. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 18,949, Ferguson Township has a total crime rate of 517.2 per 100,000 residents.