Is Chicago or Harlingen Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harlingen is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 20/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 26% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harlingen has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 37.0x 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
Harlingen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Harlingen, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Harlingen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,976.7 | +1,035.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 257.8 | +282.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.4 | +16.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 15.4 | +43.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 40.6 | +294.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 200.3 | -72.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,718.9 | +753.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 344.6 | -49.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,066.2 | +252.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 308.2 | +550.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Harlingen safer?
Harlingen is safer with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Harlingen has 257.8. Harlingen 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 Harlingen, TX
Harlingen, a Rio Grande Valley city, is known for its proximity to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, attracting birdwatchers. Historically, it served as a major railway hub. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 71,388, Harlingen has a total crime rate of 2,976.7 per 100,000 residents.