Moving from Chicago, IL to Helena, AL?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago, IL or Helena, AL Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Helena, AL is safer than Chicago, IL (Safety Score 92/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 507 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago, IL — 87% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Helena has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 117.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Helena — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Helena, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Helena | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 507.3 | +3,504.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 71.2 | +468.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.9 | +49.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 62.3 | +66.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 436.1 | +3,036.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 53.4 | +241.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 329.3 | +1,989.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 53.4 | +805.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to Helena, AL?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Helena safer?
Helena, AL is safer with a total crime rate of 507 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago, IL — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Helena has 71.2. Helena 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 Helena, AL
Helena, once a bustling railroad town, sits along the Cahaba River in Shelby County. This picturesque community, part of the Birmingham metropolitan area, has experienced significant population growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 22,470, Helena has a total crime rate of 507.3 per 100,000 residents.