Is Chicago or Hereford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hereford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 69/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,123 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 72% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Hereford has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 179.6x 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
Hereford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hereford, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hereford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,122.8 | +2,889.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 238.2 | +301.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.8 | +10.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 61.2 | -2.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 20.4 | +314.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 149.7 | -21.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 884.6 | +2,587.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 183.7 | +111.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 639.6 | +1,679.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 61.2 | +797.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hereford safer?
Hereford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,123 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hereford has 238.2. Hereford 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 Hereford, TX
Hereford, "The Beef Capital of the World," is a Panhandle city founded in 1898 along the Pecos and Northern Texas Railway. Its economy remains tied to agriculture and cattle feedlots, with a population around 15,000. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 14,696, Hereford has a total crime rate of 1,122.8 per 100,000 residents.