Is Chicago or Harrisburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harrisburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 23/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,759 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 31% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Harrisburg has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 52.8x 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
Harrisburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Harrisburg, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Harrisburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,758.8 | +1,253.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 766.2 | -226.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 30.0 | -12.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 54.0 | +4.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 164.1 | +171.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 514.2 | -385.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,992.6 | +1,479.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 334.1 | -39.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,172.4 | +1,146.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 486.2 | +372.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Harrisburg safer?
Harrisburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,759 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Harrisburg has 766.2. Chicago 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 Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, sits along the Susquehanna River in the state's south-central region. Known for its historic State Capitol Building, it's a diverse city with a significant government employment sector. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 49,985, Harrisburg has a total crime rate of 2,758.8 per 100,000 residents.