Is Chicago or Plattsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plattsburgh is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,977 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 51% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Plattsburgh has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 132.7x 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
Plattsburgh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Plattsburgh, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Plattsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,976.6 | +2,035.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 130.8 | +409.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 25.2 | +33.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 20.1 | +315.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 85.5 | +42.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,845.8 | +1,626.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 80.5 | +214.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,694.9 | +623.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 70.4 | +788.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Plattsburgh safer?
Plattsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 1,977 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Plattsburgh has 130.8. Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh, NY
Plattsburgh, a city on Lake Champlain, boasts a rich military history, notably the War of 1812 Battle of Plattsburgh. It's a small city in Clinton County, near the Canadian border. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 19,883, Plattsburgh has a total crime rate of 1,976.6 per 100,000 residents.