Is Chicago or Hailey Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hailey is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 87/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 657 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 84% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hailey has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 262.8x 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
Hailey — 0-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hailey, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hailey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 657.4 | +3,354.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 179.3 | +360.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 29.9 | +28.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 149.4 | -21.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 478.1 | +2,994.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 149.4 | +145.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 308.8 | +2,010.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 19.9 | +839.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hailey safer?
Hailey is safer with a total crime rate of 657 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hailey has 179.3. Hailey 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 Hailey, ID
Hailey, Idaho, nestled in the Wood River Valley, is a small city known for its historic downtown and as the birthplace of Ezra Pound. Its population of around 9,000 residents experiences distinct seasons at an elevation of over 5,300 feet. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 10,039, Hailey has a total crime rate of 657.4 per 100,000 residents.