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Chicago vs Golden Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Chicago crime rate · Golden crime rate

Moving from Chicago, IL to Golden, CO?

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Is Chicago or Golden Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Golden is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 28/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 37% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Golden has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Chicago is 130.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.

Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?

Chicago — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Golden — 4-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
Safety Score 8/100
Coverage 2,638,698
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2
Category Wins 0/7

Golden, CO

Golden, CO
Safety Score 28/100
Coverage 20,193
Total Crime Rate 2,510.8
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Chicago Golden Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2 2,510.8 +1,501.5
Violent Crime Rate 539.9 123.8 +416.0
Murder Rate 17.5 0.0 +17.5
Rape Rate 58.8 5.0 +53.8
Robbery Rate 335.3 14.9 +320.4
Aggravated Assault Rate 128.3 104.0 +24.3
Property Crime Rate 3,472.4 2,387.0 +1,085.4
Burglary Rate 294.8 252.6 +42.2
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,318.8 1,832.3 +486.4
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 858.9 302.1 +556.8

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Golden, CO?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Golden safer?

Golden is safer with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 37% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Golden has 123.8. Golden 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 Golden, CO

Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Golden is home to Coors Brewery, a major employer since 1873. This historic city, with a population around 20,000, sits along Clear Creek, just west of Denver. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 20,193, Golden has a total crime rate of 2,510.8 per 100,000 residents.

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