Is Chicago or Lancaster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 28/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 37% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 63.3x 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
Lancaster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lancaster, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lancaster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,530.8 | +1,481.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 405.4 | +134.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.0 | +5.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 86.4 | -27.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.8 | +318.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 290.3 | -161.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,125.4 | +1,347.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 194.3 | +100.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,808.7 | +510.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 122.3 | +736.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lancaster safer?
Lancaster is safer with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lancaster has 405.4. Lancaster 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 Lancaster, OH
Lancaster, Ohio, founded in 1800, is a city in Fairfield County known for being the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman. Situated along the Hocking River, its population hovers around 40,000 residents. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 41,687, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 2,530.8 per 100,000 residents.