Is Chicago or Lackawanna Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lackawanna is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 42/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,955 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 51% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lackawanna has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 135.4x 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
Lackawanna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lackawanna, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lackawanna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,955.5 | +2,056.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 395.2 | +144.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.1 | +12.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 46.2 | +12.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 41.1 | +294.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 302.8 | -174.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,560.3 | +1,912.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 184.8 | +110.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,190.7 | +1,128.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 184.8 | +674.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lackawanna safer?
Lackawanna is safer with a total crime rate of 1,955 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lackawanna has 395.2. Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna, NY
Lackawanna, NY, historically a steel town, sits on Lake Erie just south of Buffalo. Its population is diverse, with a significant Arab-American community. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 19,484, Lackawanna has a total crime rate of 1,955.5 per 100,000 residents.