Is Chicago or Hays Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hays is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 50/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,694 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 58% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hays has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 125.6x 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
Hays — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hays, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hays | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,694.4 | +2,317.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 233.2 | +306.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 57.1 | +1.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 9.5 | +325.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 166.6 | -38.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,461.1 | +2,011.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 171.3 | +123.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,218.4 | +1,100.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 71.4 | +787.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hays safer?
Hays is safer with a total crime rate of 1,694 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hays has 233.2. Hays 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 Hays, KS
Hays, Kansas, once a frontier outpost for Fort Hays, is a city in Ellis County with a population of around 21,000. Located on I-70 in the High Plains, it's home to Fort Hays State University. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 21,011, Hays has a total crime rate of 1,694.4 per 100,000 residents.