Is Chicago or Port Lavaca Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Lavaca is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 55/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,557 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Port Lavaca has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 237.5x 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
Port Lavaca — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Port Lavaca, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Port Lavaca | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,556.9 | +2,455.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 297.0 | +242.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 18.0 | -0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 63.0 | -4.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 27.0 | +308.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 189.0 | -60.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,259.9 | +2,212.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 207.0 | +87.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 935.9 | +1,382.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 117.0 | +741.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Port Lavaca safer?
Port Lavaca is safer with a total crime rate of 1,557 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Port Lavaca has 297.0. Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca, TX
Port Lavaca, a coastal city on Lavaca Bay, was founded in 1840. Its economy historically revolved around shrimping, and it remains a significant port for commercial fishing. The city is the county seat of Calhoun County, with a population just under 12,000. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 11,112, Port Lavaca has a total crime rate of 1,556.9 per 100,000 residents.