Is Chicago or Jacksonville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jacksonville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 33/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,295 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 43% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Jacksonville has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 181.3x 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
Jacksonville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Jacksonville, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Jacksonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,295.2 | +1,717.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 405.4 | +134.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 13.7 | +3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 68.7 | -9.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 27.5 | +307.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 295.5 | -167.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,889.8 | +1,582.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 323.0 | -28.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,456.8 | +861.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 110.0 | +748.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Jacksonville safer?
Jacksonville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,295 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Jacksonville has 405.4. Jacksonville 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, TX
Jacksonville, Texas, a city in Cherokee County, is known for its historic tomato industry, once dubbed the "Tomato Capital of the World." Situated in East Texas, its population is approximately 14,000 residents. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 14,552, Jacksonville has a total crime rate of 2,295.2 per 100,000 residents.