Is Chicago or Grafton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grafton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 85/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 696 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 83% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Grafton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 206.3x 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
Grafton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Grafton, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Grafton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 696.0 | +3,316.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 78.2 | +461.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 31.3 | +27.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.8 | +327.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 39.1 | +89.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 617.8 | +2,854.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 31.3 | +263.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 570.9 | +1,747.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 15.6 | +843.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Grafton safer?
Grafton is safer with a total crime rate of 696 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Grafton has 78.2. Grafton 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 Grafton, WI
Grafton, a village in Ozaukee County, is known for its historic Paramount Records studio, a pioneer in early blues and jazz recordings. Situated along the Milwaukee River, it's a suburban community with a growing population. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 12,788, Grafton has a total crime rate of 696.0 per 100,000 residents.