Is Chicago or Manchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manchester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 34/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,248 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 44% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Manchester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 44.4x 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
Manchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Manchester, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,248.3 | +1,763.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 133.1 | +406.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 42.1 | +16.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 32.0 | +303.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 58.9 | +69.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,115.3 | +1,357.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 229.0 | +65.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,675.7 | +643.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 210.5 | +648.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Manchester safer?
Manchester is safer with a total crime rate of 2,248 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Manchester has 133.1. Manchester 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 Manchester, CT
Nestled along the Hockanum River, Manchester, CT, was a prominent textile mill town in the 19th century, home to Cheney Brothers Silk. Today, it is a diverse suburban community with a population of over 59,000 residents. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 59,378, Manchester has a total crime rate of 2,248.3 per 100,000 residents.