Is Chicago or Hastings Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hastings is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 32/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,325 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 42% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hastings has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 106.3x 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
Hastings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hastings, NE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hastings | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,325.2 | +1,687.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 318.4 | +221.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 112.8 | -54.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 4.0 | +331.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 201.5 | -73.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,006.9 | +1,465.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 137.0 | +157.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,708.6 | +610.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 161.2 | +697.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hastings safer?
Hastings is safer with a total crime rate of 2,325 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hastings has 318.4. Hastings 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 Hastings, NE
Hastings, Nebraska, is a city of around 25,000 residents in south-central Nebraska, known as the "Birthplace of Kool-Aid." It serves as a regional hub for agriculture and manufacturing. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 24,815, Hastings has a total crime rate of 2,325.2 per 100,000 residents.