Is Chicago or Middletown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Middletown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 66/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,212 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 70% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Middletown has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 54.6x 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
Middletown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Middletown, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Middletown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,212.5 | +2,799.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 62.1 | +477.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.1 | +15.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 4.1 | +54.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.6 | +316.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 37.2 | +91.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,150.4 | +2,322.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 115.9 | +178.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 864.9 | +1,453.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 169.7 | +689.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Middletown safer?
Middletown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,212 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Middletown has 62.1. Middletown 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 Middletown, CT
Middletown, a city on the Connecticut River, is home to Wesleyan University. It’s a diverse community with a population of around 47,000. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 48,331, Middletown has a total crime rate of 1,212.5 per 100,000 residents.