Is Chicago or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 14% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Knoxville has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 13.2x 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
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,461.6 | +550.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 740.3 | -200.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 11.0 | +6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 64.9 | -6.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 81.8 | +253.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 582.7 | -454.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,721.3 | +751.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 328.8 | -34.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,013.9 | +304.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 378.6 | +480.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Knoxville safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. 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 Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, is a city of just under 200,000 residents. It boasts a rich musical heritage, notably as the birthplace of the Everly Brothers. The Tennessee River flows along its downtown, a reminder of its historical role in trade and industry. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 200,457, Knoxville has a total crime rate of 3,461.6 per 100,000 residents.