Is Chicago or Manhattan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manhattan is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 99/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 229 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 94% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Manhattan has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 241.8x 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
Manhattan — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Manhattan, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Manhattan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 229.1 | +3,783.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 36.7 | +503.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.2 | +49.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 27.5 | +100.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 192.5 | +3,279.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 18.3 | +276.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 165.0 | +2,153.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 9.2 | +849.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Manhattan safer?
Manhattan is safer with a total crime rate of 229 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 94% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Manhattan has 36.7. Manhattan 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 Manhattan, IL
Manhattan, Illinois, a village in Will County, was founded by German immigrants in the mid-19th century and named after New York City. This agricultural community, with a population around 8,000, is situated about 50 miles southwest of Chicago. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 10,912, Manhattan has a total crime rate of 229.1 per 100,000 residents.