Is Chicago or Palatka Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palatka is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 0% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Palatka has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 244.0x 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
Palatka — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Palatka, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Palatka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,003.3 | +8.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 268.1 | +271.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.3 | +49.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 27.7 | +307.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 231.1 | -102.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,735.2 | -262.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 203.4 | +91.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,430.1 | -1,111.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 101.7 | +757.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Palatka safer?
Palatka is safer with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Palatka has 268.1. Palatka 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 Palatka, FL
Palatka, a city on the St. Johns River, was once a major steamboat stop. It's the county seat of Putnam County, with a diverse, working-class population. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 10,816, Palatka has a total crime rate of 4,003.3 per 100,000 residents.