Is Chicago or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portsmouth is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 96/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 358 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 91% 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 150.1x 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
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Portsmouth, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 358.4 | +3,653.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 11.4 | +528.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 5.7 | +53.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 5.7 | +122.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 347.0 | +3,125.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 39.8 | +255.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 284.4 | +2,034.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 22.8 | +836.1 |
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 358 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 91% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Portsmouth has 11.4. 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, RI
Portsmouth, RI, a coastal town on Aquidneck Island, was settled in 1638 by religious dissidents. Its scenic waters are home to numerous sailing events and a significant portion of its residents commute to nearby cities. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 17,579, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 358.4 per 100,000 residents.