Is Chicago or Fredericksburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fredericksburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,674 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 8% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Fredericksburg has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 89.5x 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
Fredericksburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fredericksburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fredericksburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,674.4 | +337.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 603.9 | -64.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.4 | +14.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 67.9 | -9.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 64.5 | +270.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 468.2 | -339.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,070.5 | +401.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 118.8 | +176.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,822.8 | -504.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 128.9 | +729.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fredericksburg safer?
Fredericksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,674 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fredericksburg has 603.9. Chicago 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 Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg, Virginia, a city steeped in Civil War history, straddles the Rappahannock River in the Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania MSA. Its proximity to Washington D.C. and Richmond draws a diverse population to its historic downtown and growing suburbs. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 29,474, Fredericksburg has a total crime rate of 3,674.4 per 100,000 residents.