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 3,221 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 20% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnstown has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 131.1x 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, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Johnstown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,220.7 | +791.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 586.5 | -46.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 29.8 | -12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 49.7 | +9.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 134.2 | +201.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 372.8 | -244.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,634.2 | +838.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 457.3 | -162.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,022.9 | +295.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 154.1 | +704.8 |
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 3,221 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Johnstown has 586.5. Chicago 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, PA
Nestled in a flood-prone valley, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is a former industrial hub famous for the devastating 1889 flood. This small city in Cambria County reflects a lingering rust belt heritage. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 20,120, Johnstown has a total crime rate of 3,220.7 per 100,000 residents.