Is Chicago or Lebanon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lebanon is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,280 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 68% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lebanon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 100.6x 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
Lebanon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lebanon, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lebanon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,280.4 | +2,731.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 156.2 | +383.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.1 | +39.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 30.5 | +304.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 102.9 | +25.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,124.2 | +2,348.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 137.2 | +157.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 895.6 | +1,423.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 91.5 | +767.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lebanon safer?
Lebanon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,280 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lebanon has 156.2. Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA
Lebanon, a city in southeastern Pennsylvania, is known for its annual Lebanon Area Fair, showcasing agricultural traditions. Historically a hub for the iron industry, it sits within the fertile Lebanon Valley with a population of over 26,000. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 26,241, Lebanon has a total crime rate of 1,280.4 per 100,000 residents.