Is Chicago or Johnstown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnstown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,234 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 19% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Johnstown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 130.1x 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
Johnstown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Johnstown, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Johnstown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,234.1 | +778.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 177.5 | +362.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 24.7 | +34.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 24.7 | +310.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 128.2 | +0.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,056.6 | +415.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 128.2 | +166.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,790.4 | -471.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 138.0 | +720.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Johnstown safer?
Johnstown is safer with a total crime rate of 3,234 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Johnstown has 177.5. Johnstown 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 Johnstown, CO
Johnstown, a Weld County town, sits near I-25. Originally a farming community, it's experiencing rapid growth and suburbanization. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 20,284, Johnstown has a total crime rate of 3,234.1 per 100,000 residents.