Is Chicago or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Portsmouth (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,572 for Portsmouth — 12% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portsmouth has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 152.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portsmouth — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Portsmouth, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,572.5 | -560.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 715.0 | -175.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 17.3 | +0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 86.5 | -27.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 51.9 | +283.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 559.3 | -431.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,857.5 | -385.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 680.4 | -385.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,934.9 | -616.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 242.2 | +616.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Portsmouth safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,572 for Portsmouth — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Portsmouth has 715.0. Chicago 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, OH
Portsmouth, Ohio, at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto Rivers, was once a bustling canal town. Its historic murals depict a rich past, though today it faces economic challenges common to many Rust Belt communities. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 17,343, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,572.5 per 100,000 residents.