Is Chicago or Montrose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Montrose is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 29/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,451 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 39% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Montrose has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 121.8x 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
Montrose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Montrose, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Montrose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,451.4 | +1,560.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 235.5 | +304.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.5 | +40.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 23.1 | +312.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 193.9 | -65.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,216.0 | +1,256.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 244.7 | +50.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,818.9 | +499.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 152.4 | +706.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Montrose safer?
Montrose is safer with a total crime rate of 2,451 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Montrose has 235.5. Montrose 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 Montrose, CO
Montrose, a city of over 20,000 residents in western Colorado, sits along the Uncompahgre River. Known for its agricultural heritage, including a history of fruit orchards, it serves as a gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 21,661, Montrose has a total crime rate of 2,451.4 per 100,000 residents.