Is Chicago or Murfreesboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Murfreesboro is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 29/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,443 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 robbery, where Murfreesboro has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 15.6x 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
Murfreesboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Murfreesboro, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Murfreesboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,443.4 | +1,568.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 421.2 | +118.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.0 | +14.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 51.9 | +6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 29.5 | +305.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 335.7 | -207.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,022.2 | +1,450.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 163.4 | +131.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,658.8 | +660.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 200.0 | +658.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Murfreesboro safer?
Murfreesboro is safer with a total crime rate of 2,443 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 Murfreesboro has 421.2. Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, once the state capital, is a rapidly growing city in Rutherford County. Situated in the heart of Middle Tennessee, it's home to over 150,000 residents and Middle Tennessee State University. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 169,520, Murfreesboro has a total crime rate of 2,443.4 per 100,000 residents.