Is Chicago or Louisville Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Louisville Metro (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,035 for Louisville Metro — 1% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Louisville Metro has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 3.9x 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 Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Louisville Metro, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Louisville Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,034.8 | -22.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 708.6 | -168.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 21.7 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 30.7 | +28.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 128.2 | +207.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 526.7 | -398.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,326.2 | +146.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 455.6 | -160.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,086.6 | +232.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 783.9 | +74.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Louisville Metro safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,035 for Louisville Metro — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Louisville Metro has 708.6. Chicago 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 Metro, KY
Louisville Metro, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby, sprawls along the Ohio River. This consolidated city-county is Kentucky's most populous, with a diverse urban and suburban landscape. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 676,843, Louisville Metro has a total crime rate of 4,034.8 per 100,000 residents.