Is Chicago or Lexington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lexington is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 57/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,491 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lexington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 242.8x 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
Lexington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lexington, NE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lexington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,490.8 | +2,521.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 138.0 | +401.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.4 | +40.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 9.2 | +326.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 101.2 | +27.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,352.7 | +2,119.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 73.6 | +221.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,260.7 | +1,058.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 18.4 | +840.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lexington safer?
Lexington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,491 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lexington has 138.0. Lexington 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 Lexington, NE
Lexington, a Platte River Valley town, is known for its historic meatpacking industry. Over 70% of its residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting a vibrant cultural mix. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 10,867, Lexington has a total crime rate of 1,490.8 per 100,000 residents.