Is Chicago or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portland is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 23/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 32% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portland has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 38.1x 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
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,745.6 | +1,266.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 266.9 | +272.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.2 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 41.8 | +16.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 50.5 | +284.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 167.4 | -39.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,478.7 | +993.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 145.7 | +149.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,177.2 | +141.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 155.8 | +703.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Portland safer?
Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Portland 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 Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, a coastal city with a deep maritime history, is the most populous city in the state. Its working waterfront and vibrant arts scene reflect its heritage and modern demographic mix. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 per 100,000 residents.