Is Chicago or New Haven Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than New Haven (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,123 for New Haven — 3% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Haven has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 19.2x 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
New Haven — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
New Haven, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | New Haven | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,123.3 | -111.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 536.3 | +3.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.9 | +6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 32.1 | +26.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 180.7 | +154.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 311.1 | -182.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,587.1 | -114.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 377.4 | -82.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,402.3 | -83.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 807.3 | +51.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or New Haven safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,123 for New Haven — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while New Haven has 536.3. New Haven 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 Haven, CT
Home to Yale University since 1701, New Haven is a coastal city in south-central Connecticut. Its diverse population is roughly 135,000 residents. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 137,243, New Haven has a total crime rate of 4,123.3 per 100,000 residents.