Is Chicago or Jeffersontown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jeffersontown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 31/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,381 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 41% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Jeffersontown has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 92.4x 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
Jeffersontown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Jeffersontown, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Jeffersontown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,380.7 | +1,631.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 105.0 | +434.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.5 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 24.5 | +34.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 52.5 | +282.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 17.5 | +110.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,275.7 | +1,196.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 189.1 | +105.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,628.0 | +690.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 458.6 | +400.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Jeffersontown safer?
Jeffersontown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,381 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Jeffersontown has 105.0. Jeffersontown 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 Jeffersontown, KY
Jeffersontown, or "J-Town," is a suburban city in Jefferson County, Kentucky, boasting a history dating back to its founding in 1797. Situated just east of Louisville, it's home to a diverse population and a significant commercial district. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 28,563, Jeffersontown has a total crime rate of 2,380.7 per 100,000 residents.