Is Chicago or Fulton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fulton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 63/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,295 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 68% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fulton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 212.3x 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
Fulton — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fulton, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fulton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,295.2 | +2,717.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 209.2 | +330.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 16.1 | +42.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.1 | +319.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 177.0 | -48.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,086.0 | +2,386.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 120.7 | +174.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 852.7 | +1,466.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 112.6 | +746.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fulton safer?
Fulton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,295 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fulton has 209.2. Fulton 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 Fulton, MO
Fulton, Missouri, home to William Woods University, sits in Callaway County. This small city, with a population around 12,000, is known for its historic Westminster College, where Winston Churchill gave his "Iron Curtain" speech. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 12,431, Fulton has a total crime rate of 1,295.2 per 100,000 residents.