Is Chicago or Jackson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Jackson (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,111 for Jackson — 2% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Jackson has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 38.6x 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
Jackson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Jackson, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Jackson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,110.7 | -98.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 950.4 | -410.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 24.9 | -7.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 35.2 | +23.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 99.6 | +235.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 790.8 | -662.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,160.2 | +312.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 448.1 | -153.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,435.4 | -116.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 276.8 | +582.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Jackson safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,111 for Jackson — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Jackson has 950.4. Chicago 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 Jackson, TN
Jackson, Tennessee, a city of over 60,000 residents, is situated in West Tennessee. It boasts a rich musical heritage, notably as the home of rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins. The city serves as a regional hub for healthcare and retail. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 68,286, Jackson has a total crime rate of 4,110.7 per 100,000 residents.