Is Chicago or North Platte Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Platte is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,730 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 32% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Platte has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 118.5x 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
North Platte — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
North Platte, NE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | North Platte | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,730.4 | +1,281.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 148.2 | +391.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 49.4 | +9.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 98.8 | +29.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,582.2 | +890.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 148.2 | +146.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,308.3 | +10.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 125.7 | +733.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or North Platte safer?
North Platte is safer with a total crime rate of 2,730 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while North Platte has 148.2. North Platte 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 North Platte, NE
North Platte, a city in west-central Nebraska, is home to Union Pacific's Bailey Yard, one of the world's largest rail yards. Its population hovers around 24,000, positioned at the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 22,268, North Platte has a total crime rate of 2,730.4 per 100,000 residents.