Is Chicago or Owensboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Owensboro is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,266 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 19% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Owensboro has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 43.9x 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
Owensboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Owensboro, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Owensboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,266.4 | +745.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 349.4 | +190.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 78.2 | -19.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 44.9 | +290.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 224.6 | -96.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,917.0 | +555.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 337.8 | -43.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,258.1 | +60.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 321.2 | +537.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Owensboro safer?
Owensboro is safer with a total crime rate of 3,266 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Owensboro has 349.4. Owensboro 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 Owensboro, KY
Owensboro, Kentucky, known for its International Bluegrass Music Museum, sits on the Ohio River. This Daviess County seat is the fourth-largest city by population in the state. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 60,096, Owensboro has a total crime rate of 3,266.4 per 100,000 residents.