Is Chicago or Richardson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Richardson is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 50% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Richardson has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 22.4x 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
Richardson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Richardson, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Richardson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,986.2 | +2,026.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 152.6 | +387.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.5 | +50.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 38.2 | +297.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 98.3 | +30.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,833.6 | +1,638.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 220.4 | +74.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,295.3 | +1,023.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 317.9 | +541.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Richardson safer?
Richardson is safer with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Richardson has 152.6. Richardson 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 Richardson, TX
Richardson, a northern Dallas suburb, is home to the Telecom Corridor, a hub for technology companies. This city of over 120,000 residents boasts a diverse population. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 117,962, Richardson has a total crime rate of 1,986.2 per 100,000 residents.