Is Chicago or Lafayette Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 20/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,953 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 26% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 86.7x 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
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lafayette, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lafayette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,953.2 | +1,059.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 272.7 | +267.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 62.4 | -3.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 19.7 | +315.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 190.5 | -62.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,680.5 | +791.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 489.5 | -194.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,951.3 | +367.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 239.8 | +619.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lafayette safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 2,953 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lafayette has 272.7. Lafayette 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 Lafayette, CO
Lafayette, Colorado, a former coal mining town, sits in southeastern Boulder County. Its rich history and proximity to Boulder and Denver attract a diverse mix of residents. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 30,442, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 2,953.2 per 100,000 residents.