Is Chicago or Kearney Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kearney is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,926 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Kearney has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 76.4x 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
Kearney — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Kearney, NE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Kearney | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,926.1 | +2,086.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 301.2 | +238.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.9 | +14.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 98.5 | -39.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 17.4 | +317.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 182.5 | -54.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,624.9 | +1,847.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 168.0 | +126.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,349.8 | +969.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 107.2 | +751.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Kearney safer?
Kearney is safer with a total crime rate of 1,926 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Kearney has 301.2. Kearney 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 Kearney, NE
Kearney, Nebraska, a city bisected by the historic Transcontinental Railroad, sits on the Great Platte River Road. It's home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, contributing to a youthful demographic. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 34,525, Kearney has a total crime rate of 1,926.1 per 100,000 residents.