Is Chicago or Nicholasville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Nicholasville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 52/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,610 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 60% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Nicholasville has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 80.3x 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
Nicholasville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Nicholasville, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Nicholasville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,609.6 | +2,402.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 112.6 | +427.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.0 | +14.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.3 | +40.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.3 | +317.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 73.0 | +55.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,497.0 | +1,975.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 206.9 | +87.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,217.1 | +1,101.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 73.0 | +785.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Nicholasville safer?
Nicholasville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,610 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Nicholasville has 112.6. Nicholasville 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 Nicholasville, KY
Nicholasville, Kentucky, the "Christmas City," sits south of Lexington in Jessamine County. This growing city of over 30,000 residents is known for its annual Christmas parade and its proximity to Kentucky's horse country. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 32,866, Nicholasville has a total crime rate of 1,609.6 per 100,000 residents.