Is Chicago or Mountain Brook Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mountain Brook is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 80/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 838 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mountain Brook has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 122.8x 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
Mountain Brook — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mountain Brook, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mountain Brook | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 837.8 | +3,174.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 65.2 | +474.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 4.7 | +54.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.6 | +316.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 41.9 | +86.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 772.6 | +2,699.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 102.4 | +192.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 637.6 | +1,681.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 32.6 | +826.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mountain Brook safer?
Mountain Brook is safer with a total crime rate of 838 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mountain Brook has 65.2. Mountain Brook 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 Mountain Brook, AL
Mountain Brook, an affluent Birmingham suburb, incorporated in 1942 and is known for its tree-lined streets and high median income. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, it primarily consists of single-family homes. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 21,486, Mountain Brook has a total crime rate of 837.8 per 100,000 residents.