Is Chicago or Janesville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Janesville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 51% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Janesville has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 39.8x 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
Janesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Janesville, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Janesville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,985.0 | +2,027.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 143.4 | +396.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.5 | +12.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 39.3 | +19.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.6 | +318.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 83.0 | +45.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,841.6 | +1,630.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 116.2 | +178.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,651.4 | +667.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 74.0 | +784.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Janesville safer?
Janesville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Janesville has 143.4. Janesville 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 Janesville, WI
Janesville, known as "Wisconsin's Park Place," is a city in Rock County along the Rock River. It boasts a population of over 65,000, with a rich history rooted in manufacturing. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 66,247, Janesville has a total crime rate of 1,985.0 per 100,000 residents.