Is Chicago or Montgomery Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Montgomery is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 73/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,027 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 74% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Montgomery has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 117.3x 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
Montgomery — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Montgomery, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Montgomery | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,027.2 | +2,985.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 115.6 | +424.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 62.3 | -3.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.9 | +326.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 44.5 | +83.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 911.6 | +2,560.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 111.2 | +183.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 720.4 | +1,598.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 80.0 | +778.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Montgomery safer?
Montgomery is safer with a total crime rate of 1,027 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Montgomery has 115.6. Montgomery 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 Montgomery, IL
Montgomery, a Kendall County village, grew from a Fox River ferry crossing. Its early economy centered on agricultural processing like grist and sawmills. Located southwest of Chicago, it's a growing suburban community. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 22,489, Montgomery has a total crime rate of 1,027.2 per 100,000 residents.