Is Chicago or Lubbock Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lubbock is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,451 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 14% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lubbock has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 9.8x 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
Lubbock — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lubbock, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lubbock | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,450.9 | +561.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 822.2 | -282.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.2 | +12.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 77.1 | -18.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 115.6 | +219.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 623.2 | -494.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,628.8 | +843.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 538.0 | -243.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,822.9 | +495.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 267.9 | +591.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lubbock safer?
Lubbock is safer with a total crime rate of 3,451 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lubbock has 822.2. 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 Lubbock, TX
Lubbock, Texas, the "Hub City," is a West Texas city with a strong agricultural presence, known for its cotton production and as the birthplace of Buddy Holly. It's home to Texas Tech University and boasts a population of over 260,000 residents. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 269,900, Lubbock has a total crime rate of 3,450.9 per 100,000 residents.