Is Chicago or Lynchburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lynchburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,095 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 48% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lynchburg has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 32.8x 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
Lynchburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lynchburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lynchburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,094.9 | +1,917.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 357.2 | +182.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 11.2 | +6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 52.3 | +6.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 37.3 | +297.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 256.4 | -128.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,737.6 | +1,734.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 209.1 | +85.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,267.1 | +1,051.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 261.4 | +597.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lynchburg safer?
Lynchburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,095 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lynchburg has 357.2. Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg, VA
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is a historic city known for its role in the Civil War. It has a population of around 80,000, with a notable presence of higher education institutions. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 80,339, Lynchburg has a total crime rate of 2,094.9 per 100,000 residents.