Is Chicago or Hattiesburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hattiesburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,687 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 8% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Hattiesburg has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 54.6x 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
Hattiesburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hattiesburg, MS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hattiesburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,686.8 | +325.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 221.5 | +318.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.4 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 39.3 | +19.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 33.1 | +302.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 136.6 | -8.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,465.3 | +7.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 370.6 | -75.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,873.3 | -554.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 221.5 | +637.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hattiesburg safer?
Hattiesburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,687 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hattiesburg has 221.5. Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg, "The Hub City," is a South Mississippi city founded in 1882 by William H. Hardy. It is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and lies at the intersection of several major highways, serving as a regional center. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 48,307, Hattiesburg has a total crime rate of 3,686.8 per 100,000 residents.