Is Chicago or Johnson City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnson City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 33% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnson City has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 35.6x 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
Johnson City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Johnson City, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Johnson City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,707.4 | +1,304.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 404.9 | +135.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.4 | +12.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 75.6 | -16.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 33.7 | +301.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 287.5 | -159.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,302.5 | +1,169.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 203.8 | +91.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,924.6 | +394.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 174.1 | +684.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Johnson City safer?
Johnson City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Johnson City has 404.9. Johnson City 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 Johnson City, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Johnson City is a regional hub with a vibrant downtown, home to East Tennessee State University. It's known for its role in the early country music scene. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 74,093, Johnson City has a total crime rate of 2,707.4 per 100,000 residents.