Is Chicago or Herndon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Herndon is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 39/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,035 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 49% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Herndon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 105.3x 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
Herndon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Herndon, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Herndon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,035.3 | +1,977.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 239.4 | +300.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 23.9 | +34.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 59.9 | +275.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 155.6 | -27.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,795.8 | +1,676.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 99.8 | +195.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,596.3 | +722.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 99.8 | +759.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Herndon safer?
Herndon is safer with a total crime rate of 2,035 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Herndon has 239.4. Herndon 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 Herndon, VA
Herndon, once a stop on the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, is a town in Fairfax County. It's a diverse community with a growing population. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 25,058, Herndon has a total crime rate of 2,035.3 per 100,000 residents.