Is Chicago or Palmer Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palmer Township is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 61/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,365 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 66% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Palmer Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 117.7x 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
Palmer Township — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Palmer Township, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Palmer Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,364.7 | +2,647.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 40.1 | +499.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.9 | +49.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 4.5 | +330.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 26.8 | +101.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,324.5 | +2,147.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 62.4 | +232.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,204.1 | +1,114.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 58.0 | +800.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Palmer Township safer?
Palmer Township is safer with a total crime rate of 1,365 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Palmer Township has 40.1. Palmer Township 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 Palmer Township, PA
Palmer Township, home to the historic Braden Airpark, is a suburban community in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It borders the city of Easton and is predominantly residential, with a diverse population. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 22,423, Palmer Township has a total crime rate of 1,364.7 per 100,000 residents.