Is Chicago or Manchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manchester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 51% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Manchester has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 22.9x 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
Manchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Manchester, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,985.0 | +2,027.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 336.9 | +203.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 52.0 | +6.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 58.0 | +277.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 224.3 | -96.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,648.1 | +1,824.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 92.7 | +202.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,404.8 | +914.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 150.7 | +708.2 |
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 1,985 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Manchester has 336.9. 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, NH
Manchester, once a mill town powered by the Merrimack River, is New Hampshire's largest city. Its historic Amoskeag Millyard now houses businesses and a university, reflecting a shift towards a service-based economy. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 115,464, Manchester has a total crime rate of 1,985.0 per 100,000 residents.