Is Chicago or Oak Ridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oak Ridge is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oak Ridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 77.4x 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
Oak Ridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Oak Ridge, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Oak Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,567.3 | +2,444.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 290.6 | +249.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 52.8 | +6.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.8 | +326.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 228.9 | -100.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,276.8 | +2,195.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 208.4 | +86.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,006.7 | +1,312.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 61.6 | +797.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Oak Ridge safer?
Oak Ridge is safer with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Oak Ridge has 290.6. Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Oak Ridge was a secret city vital to the Manhattan Project. Its scientific legacy endures, drawing a diverse population to this historically significant East Tennessee community. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 34,071, Oak Ridge has a total crime rate of 1,567.3 per 100,000 residents.