Is Chicago or Hartford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hartford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 81/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 821 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 80% 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 165.3x 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 — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hartford, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hartford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 820.9 | +3,191.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 131.6 | +408.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 62.7 | -3.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 68.9 | +59.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 689.3 | +2,783.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 31.3 | +263.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 645.4 | +1,673.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 12.5 | +846.3 |
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 821 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hartford has 131.6. 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, WI
Hartford, Wisconsin, once known for its Kissel Motor Car Company, is a city of over 15,000 residents in Washington and Dodge counties. It sits along the Rubicon River, offering a mix of residential and light industrial areas. With a safety score of 81/100 and a population coverage of 15,959, Hartford has a total crime rate of 820.9 per 100,000 residents.