Is Chicago or Hartford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hartford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 65/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,236 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 69% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hartford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 245.3x 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
Hartford — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hartford, VT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hartford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,236.2 | +2,776.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 316.0 | +223.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 111.5 | -52.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 204.5 | -76.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 920.2 | +2,552.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 158.0 | +136.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 706.4 | +1,612.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 55.8 | +803.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hartford safer?
Hartford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,236 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hartford has 316.0. Hartford 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 Hartford, VT
Hartford, Vermont, founded in 1761, is a town in Windsor County with a population around 9,900. It encompasses several villages, including White River Junction, a former railroad hub. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 10,759, Hartford has a total crime rate of 1,236.2 per 100,000 residents.