Is Chicago or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portsmouth is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 57/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,476 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Portsmouth has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 114.9x 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
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Portsmouth, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,475.9 | +2,536.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 191.6 | +348.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 39.2 | +19.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.7 | +326.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 139.3 | -11.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,284.3 | +2,188.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 30.5 | +264.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,153.7 | +1,165.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 100.1 | +758.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Portsmouth safer?
Portsmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 1,476 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Portsmouth has 191.6. Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, a historic port city on the Piscataqua River, boasts a vibrant arts scene and charming 17th-century architecture. Its compact downtown, home to many independent businesses, makes it a walkable destination. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 22,969, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 1,475.9 per 100,000 residents.