Is Chicago or Princeton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Princeton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 69/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,122 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 72% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Princeton has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 99.0x 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
Princeton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Princeton, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Princeton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,122.0 | +2,890.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 277.7 | +262.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.8 | +13.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 37.5 | +21.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.8 | +316.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 213.9 | -85.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 844.3 | +2,628.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 247.7 | +47.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 544.1 | +1,774.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 52.5 | +806.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Princeton safer?
Princeton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,122 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Princeton has 277.7. Princeton 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 Princeton, TX
Princeton, Texas, a Collin County suburb, was once known as the "Onion Capital of the World." It lies north of Dallas, experiencing rapid population growth. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 26,650, Princeton has a total crime rate of 1,122.0 per 100,000 residents.