Is Chicago or Norristown Borough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norristown Borough is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 30/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,413 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 40% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norristown Borough has a 52% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 73.8x 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
Norristown Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Norristown Borough, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Norristown Borough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,413.0 | +1,599.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 453.0 | +86.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 8.4 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.6 | +39.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 215.3 | +120.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 206.9 | -78.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,960.1 | +1,512.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 206.9 | +87.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,221.9 | +1,096.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 531.3 | +327.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Norristown Borough safer?
Norristown Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 2,413 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Norristown Borough has 453.0. Norristown Borough 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 Norristown Borough, PA
Norristown, the Montgomery County seat, is a diverse borough along the Schuylkill River. It was once a major mill town and is home to a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 35,764, Norristown Borough has a total crime rate of 2,413.0 per 100,000 residents.