Is Chicago or Fort Collins Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fort Collins is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 30/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,429 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 39% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Fort Collins has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 15.5x 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 Collins — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fort Collins, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fort Collins | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,429.2 | +1,583.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 273.9 | +266.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.8 | +15.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 22.9 | +35.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 24.6 | +310.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 223.5 | -95.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,155.3 | +1,317.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 228.7 | +66.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,742.4 | +576.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 184.2 | +674.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fort Collins safer?
Fort Collins is safer with a total crime rate of 2,429 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fort Collins has 273.9. Fort Collins 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 Collins, CO
Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, is a vibrant city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Its economy benefits from a strong craft brewing industry and a young, educated population. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 170,509, Fort Collins has a total crime rate of 2,429.2 per 100,000 residents.