Is Chicago or Gastonia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Gastonia (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,364 for Gastonia — 8% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gastonia has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 31.0x 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
Gastonia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Gastonia, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Gastonia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,363.7 | -351.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 849.5 | -309.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.7 | +12.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 37.6 | +21.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 123.4 | +211.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 683.8 | -555.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,514.2 | -41.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 512.3 | -217.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,587.2 | -268.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 414.8 | +444.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Gastonia safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,364 for Gastonia — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Gastonia has 849.5. 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 Gastonia, NC
Gastonia, North Carolina, a city with a rich textile history, sits west of Charlotte in Gaston County. Its population of over 80,000 residents reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 85,112, Gastonia has a total crime rate of 4,363.7 per 100,000 residents.