Is Chicago or Golden Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 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.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Golden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Golden, CO
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 2024.
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.