Is Chicago or Galveston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Galveston is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,917 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 27% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Galveston has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 49.7x 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
Galveston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Galveston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Galveston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,917.1 | +1,095.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 536.7 | +3.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.7 | +11.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 150.7 | -91.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 107.3 | +227.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 273.1 | -144.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,380.4 | +1,092.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 261.8 | +33.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,853.1 | +465.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 265.5 | +593.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Galveston safer?
Galveston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,917 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Galveston has 536.7. Galveston 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 Galveston, TX
Galveston, a barrier island city, boasts a rich history with its Strand Historic District and Victorian architecture. Its population is diverse, reflecting a mix of long-time residents and a growing tourism industry. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 53,100, Galveston has a total crime rate of 2,917.1 per 100,000 residents.