Is Chicago or Payson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Payson is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 80/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 826 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Payson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 105.3x 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
Payson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Payson, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Payson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 826.3 | +3,185.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 127.7 | +412.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 55.9 | +2.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 71.9 | +56.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 698.6 | +2,773.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 51.9 | +242.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 606.8 | +1,712.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 39.9 | +819.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Payson safer?
Payson is safer with a total crime rate of 826 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Payson has 127.7. Payson 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 Payson, UT
Payson, Utah, nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, is a historic agricultural community. Founded by Mormon pioneers, it's home to a diverse population, with a significant portion identifying as Latter-day Saints. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 25,051, Payson has a total crime rate of 826.3 per 100,000 residents.