Is Chicago or Hamilton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hamilton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 31/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,370 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 41% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Hamilton has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 42.0x 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
Hamilton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hamilton, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hamilton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,370.4 | +1,641.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 313.4 | +226.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.2 | +14.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 54.1 | +4.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 43.0 | +292.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 213.2 | -84.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,057.0 | +1,415.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 334.1 | -39.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,530.4 | +788.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 192.5 | +666.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hamilton safer?
Hamilton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,370 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hamilton has 313.4. Hamilton 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 Hamilton, OH
Hamilton, Ohio, a city along the Great Miami River, was once known as the "Safe Capital of the World" due to its large safe manufacturing industry. Today, it's a diverse community with a median age of 36. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 62,860, Hamilton has a total crime rate of 2,370.4 per 100,000 residents.