Is Chicago or Prescott Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Prescott is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 58/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,454 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 64% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Prescott has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 54.6x 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
Prescott — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Prescott, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Prescott | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,454.3 | +2,557.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 337.2 | +202.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.1 | +15.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 22.8 | +36.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.6 | +316.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 291.7 | -163.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,117.1 | +2,355.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 223.4 | +71.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 846.1 | +1,472.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 47.6 | +811.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Prescott safer?
Prescott is safer with a total crime rate of 1,454 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Prescott has 337.2. Prescott 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 Prescott, AZ
Prescott, Arizona, known for its "Everybody's Hometown" moniker, sits in the Bradshaw Mountains. This Yavapai County seat, once the Territorial Capital, boasts a population of around 48,000, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 48,339, Prescott has a total crime rate of 1,454.3 per 100,000 residents.