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 1,285 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 235.5x 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
Fulton — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fulton, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fulton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,284.9 | +2,727.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 196.3 | +343.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 17.9 | +40.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.9 | +326.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 169.5 | -41.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,088.6 | +2,383.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 62.5 | +232.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 990.5 | +1,328.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 35.7 | +823.2 |
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 1,285 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 196.3. 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, NY
Fulton, a former industrial city in Oswego County, sits on the Oswego River and is home to the historic American Foundry. Its population of around 11,000 has seen a steady decline since the mid-20th century. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 11,207, Fulton has a total crime rate of 1,284.9 per 100,000 residents.