Is Chicago or Hamden Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hamden is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,549 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 12% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hamden has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 44.0x 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
Hamden — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hamden, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hamden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,548.8 | +463.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 430.7 | +109.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.4 | +50.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 55.1 | +280.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 365.6 | -237.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,118.1 | +354.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 212.0 | +82.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,176.7 | +142.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 729.5 | +129.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hamden safer?
Hamden is safer with a total crime rate of 3,549 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hamden has 430.7. Hamden 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 Hamden, CT
Hamden, a vibrant town bordering New Haven, is home to Quinnipiac University. Nestled at the foot of the Sleeping Giant mountain, it boasts a diverse population and a blend of suburban and more rural areas. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 59,908, Hamden has a total crime rate of 3,548.8 per 100,000 residents.