Is Chicago or Fitchburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fitchburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 52/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,616 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 60% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fitchburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 80.6x 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
Fitchburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fitchburg, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fitchburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,616.4 | +2,395.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 275.0 | +264.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 30.6 | +28.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 15.3 | +320.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 229.2 | -100.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,341.4 | +2,131.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 122.2 | +172.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,103.1 | +1,215.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 116.1 | +742.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fitchburg safer?
Fitchburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,616 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fitchburg has 275.0. Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg, Wisconsin, incorporated in 1983, is a city in Dane County, directly south of Madison. It boasts a mix of suburban development and agricultural land, with a significant portion of its population commuting to Madison for work. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 32,727, Fitchburg has a total crime rate of 1,616.4 per 100,000 residents.