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 4,613 for Portsmouth — 13% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chicago has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 27.2x 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 — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Portsmouth, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,613.2 | -601.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 752.4 | -212.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 37.1 | -19.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 36.0 | +22.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 167.8 | +167.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 511.6 | -383.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,860.8 | -388.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 424.1 | -129.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,920.1 | -601.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 516.7 | +342.2 |
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 4,613 for Portsmouth — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Portsmouth has 752.4. 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, VA
Portsmouth, Virginia, established in 1752, sits across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Home to the historic Gosport Shipyard, it's a diverse city with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,156, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,613.2 per 100,000 residents.