Is Chicago or Provo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Provo is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 57/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,477 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Provo has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 23.4x 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
Provo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Provo, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Provo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,477.4 | +2,534.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 206.6 | +333.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.8 | +15.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 73.6 | -14.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 17.7 | +317.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 113.5 | +14.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,270.8 | +2,201.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 70.1 | +224.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,134.2 | +1,184.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 66.5 | +792.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Provo safer?
Provo is safer with a total crime rate of 1,477 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Provo has 206.6. Provo 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 Provo, UT
Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Range, Provo, Utah is home to Brigham Young University, a private university of significant cultural influence. Its population is predominantly young and highly educated, reflecting the university's presence. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 112,763, Provo has a total crime rate of 1,477.4 per 100,000 residents.