Is Chicago or New Albany Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Albany is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,261 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 69% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where New Albany has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 231.0x 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
New Albany — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
New Albany, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | New Albany | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,260.6 | +2,751.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 96.3 | +443.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.8 | +50.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.8 | +326.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 78.8 | +49.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,164.3 | +2,308.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 87.5 | +207.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 989.2 | +1,329.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 87.5 | +771.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or New Albany safer?
New Albany is safer with a total crime rate of 1,261 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while New Albany has 96.3. New Albany 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 New Albany, OH
New Albany, a planned community northeast of Columbus, is known for its distinctive white fences. This affluent suburb in Licking County boasts a median household income significantly above the state average. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 11,423, New Albany has a total crime rate of 1,260.6 per 100,000 residents.