Moving from Chicago, IL to Johnston, IA?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago, IL or Johnston, IA Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Johnston, IA is safer than Chicago, IL (Safety Score 81/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 826 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago, IL — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnston has a 98% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 106.3x 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
Johnston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Johnston, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Johnston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 826.0 | +3,186.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 76.6 | +463.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.0 | +13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 12.1 | +46.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.1 | +327.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 52.4 | +75.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 749.4 | +2,723.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 76.6 | +218.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 527.8 | +1,790.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 145.1 | +713.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to Johnston, IA?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Johnston safer?
Johnston, IA is safer with a total crime rate of 826 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago, IL — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Johnston has 76.6. Johnston 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 Johnston, IA
Johnston, a Des Moines suburb, is home to Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a major agricultural research company. Situated in Polk County, it boasts a growing population with a median age of around 38. With a safety score of 81/100 and a population coverage of 24,819, Johnston has a total crime rate of 826.0 per 100,000 residents.