Is Chicago or Jacksonville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Jacksonville (Safety Score 8/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,914 for Jacksonville — 18% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Jacksonville has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 91.1x 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
Jacksonville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Jacksonville, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Jacksonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,914.0 | -901.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 953.1 | -413.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 20.7 | -3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 62.2 | -3.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 82.9 | +252.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 783.9 | -655.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,960.9 | -488.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 632.0 | -337.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,755.7 | -437.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 573.2 | +285.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Jacksonville safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,914 for Jacksonville — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Jacksonville has 953.1. 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 Jacksonville, AR
Jacksonville, Arkansas, home to the state's first Air Force base, is a city of over 28,000 residents located just north of Little Rock. Its diverse population reflects a blend of military heritage and suburban growth within Pulaski County. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 28,958, Jacksonville has a total crime rate of 4,914.0 per 100,000 residents.