Is Chicago or Rainbow City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rainbow City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 74/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,013 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 75% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rainbow City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 254.7x 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
Rainbow City — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Rainbow City, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Rainbow City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,013.3 | +2,998.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 86.9 | +453.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.3 | +39.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 67.6 | +60.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 926.5 | +2,545.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 96.5 | +198.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 762.4 | +1,556.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 67.6 | +791.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Rainbow City safer?
Rainbow City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,013 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Rainbow City has 86.9. Rainbow City 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 Rainbow City, AL
Rainbow City, Alabama, named for a local legend of a rainbow arcing over the river, sits in Etowah County. This small city, with a population around 10,000, lies on the Coosa River, offering scenic views. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 10,362, Rainbow City has a total crime rate of 1,013.3 per 100,000 residents.