Is Chicago or Hot Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Hot Springs (Safety Score 8/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,703 for Hot Springs — 15% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Hot Springs has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 69.4x 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
Hot Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hot Springs, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hot Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,702.5 | -690.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 539.5 | +0.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 15.8 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 113.2 | -54.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 52.6 | +282.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 352.6 | -224.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,163.1 | -690.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 702.6 | -407.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,139.4 | -820.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 321.0 | +537.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hot Springs safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,703 for Hot Springs — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hot Springs has 539.5. Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs, AR
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is renowned for its thermal waters and Bathhouse Row. Historically a resort town, its population hovers around 38,000, attracting visitors to its natural spring-fed attractions. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 38,001, Hot Springs has a total crime rate of 4,702.5 per 100,000 residents.