Is Chicago or Niagara Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Niagara Falls is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,309 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 18% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Niagara Falls has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 55.8x 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
Niagara Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Niagara Falls, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Niagara Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,309.0 | +703.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 501.1 | +38.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.3 | +11.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.5 | +50.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 93.0 | +242.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 393.3 | -265.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,807.9 | +664.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 327.7 | -33.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,188.4 | +130.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 291.8 | +567.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Niagara Falls safer?
Niagara Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 3,309 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Niagara Falls has 501.1. Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls, NY, home to the iconic Horseshoe Falls, is a city in Western New York with a population of over 47,000. It was once a major industrial hub, particularly for electrochemical production. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 47,296, Niagara Falls has a total crime rate of 3,309.0 per 100,000 residents.