Is Chicago or Natchitoches Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Natchitoches (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,276 for Natchitoches — 24% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Natchitoches has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 155.7x 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
Natchitoches — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Natchitoches, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Natchitoches | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,275.9 | -1,263.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 891.1 | -351.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 29.5 | -12.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 70.8 | -12.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 47.2 | +288.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 743.6 | -615.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,384.8 | -912.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 1,304.2 | -1,009.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,815.0 | -496.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 265.6 | +593.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Natchitoches safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,276 for Natchitoches — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Natchitoches has 891.1. Chicago 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 Natchitoches, LA
Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest permanent settlement, sits on the Cane River Lake in central Louisiana. This historic city, known for its Creole architecture, has a population of around 17,000. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 16,945, Natchitoches has a total crime rate of 5,275.9 per 100,000 residents.