Is Chicago or Lowell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lowell is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 78/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 897 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 78% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lowell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 219.2x 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
Lowell — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lowell, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lowell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 897.3 | +3,114.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 257.6 | +282.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 74.8 | -16.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 182.8 | -54.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 639.8 | +2,832.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 299.1 | -4.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 307.4 | +2,011.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 33.2 | +825.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lowell safer?
Lowell is safer with a total crime rate of 897 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 78% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lowell has 257.6. Lowell 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 Lowell, AR
Lowell, Arkansas, part of the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan Area, is a growing city in Northwest Arkansas. It's home to the headquarters of JB Hunt Transport Services, a major trucking company, and is situated in the Boston Mountains. With a safety score of 78/100 and a population coverage of 12,036, Lowell has a total crime rate of 897.3 per 100,000 residents.