Is Chicago or Marshalltown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marshalltown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,071 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 48% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Marshalltown has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 95.7x 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
Marshalltown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Marshalltown, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Marshalltown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,070.6 | +1,941.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 297.4 | +242.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.3 | +10.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 43.5 | +15.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 14.5 | +320.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 232.1 | -103.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,773.3 | +1,699.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 301.0 | -6.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,367.1 | +951.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 105.2 | +753.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Marshalltown safer?
Marshalltown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,071 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 Marshalltown has 297.4. Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown, IA
Marshalltown, a central Iowa hub, is known for its diverse population and as the home of Lennox Manufacturing since 1904. This city in Marshall County sits along the Iowa River. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 27,576, Marshalltown has a total crime rate of 2,070.6 per 100,000 residents.