Is Chicago or Mount Airy Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mount Airy is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 23/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,748 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 32% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mount Airy has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 249.2x 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
Mount Airy — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mount Airy, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mount Airy | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,747.9 | +1,264.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 311.6 | +228.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 9.4 | +8.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 66.1 | -7.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 236.1 | -107.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,436.3 | +1,036.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 528.8 | -234.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,728.1 | +590.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 179.4 | +679.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mount Airy safer?
Mount Airy is safer with a total crime rate of 2,748 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mount Airy has 311.6. Mount Airy 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 Mount Airy, NC
Mount Airy, North Carolina, known as the inspiration for Mayberry, sits in Surry County near the Virginia border. This small town, home to the world's largest open-face granite quarry, has a population of around 10,000 residents. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 10,590, Mount Airy has a total crime rate of 2,747.9 per 100,000 residents.