Is Chicago or Fort Atkinson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fort Atkinson is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 74/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 994 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 75% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fort Atkinson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 215.0x 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
Fort Atkinson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fort Atkinson, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fort Atkinson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 994.0 | +3,018.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 236.3 | +303.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 81.5 | -22.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 154.8 | -26.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 757.7 | +2,714.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 57.0 | +237.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 676.2 | +1,642.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 24.4 | +834.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fort Atkinson safer?
Fort Atkinson is safer with a total crime rate of 994 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fort Atkinson has 236.3. Fort Atkinson 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 Fort Atkinson, WI
Fort Atkinson, WI, a city in southeastern Wisconsin, was named for General Henry Atkinson. It's home to the Hoard Historical Museum and is situated along the Bark River. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 12,274, Fort Atkinson has a total crime rate of 994.0 per 100,000 residents.