Is Chicago or Louisville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Louisville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,917 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Louisville has a 99% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 131.0x 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
Louisville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Louisville, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Louisville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,917.0 | +2,095.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 129.1 | +410.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.0 | +12.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 29.8 | +29.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 5.0 | +330.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 89.4 | +38.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,787.8 | +1,684.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 630.7 | -335.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,028.0 | +1,290.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 129.1 | +729.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Louisville safer?
Louisville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,917 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Louisville has 129.1. Louisville 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 Louisville, CO
Louisville, Colorado, a former coal mining town, sits just east of Boulder with a population around 21,000. Its historic downtown, once a bustling hub for miners, now features a lively mix of shops and restaurants. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 20,136, Louisville has a total crime rate of 1,917.0 per 100,000 residents.