Is Chicago or Roanoke Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Roanoke is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 62/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,333 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 67% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Roanoke has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 236.1x 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
Roanoke — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Roanoke, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Roanoke | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,333.5 | +2,678.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 107.4 | +432.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.0 | +49.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 9.0 | +326.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 89.5 | +38.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,226.1 | +2,246.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 161.1 | +133.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 921.8 | +1,397.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 143.2 | +715.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Roanoke safer?
Roanoke is safer with a total crime rate of 1,333 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Roanoke has 107.4. Roanoke 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 Roanoke, TX
Roanoke, Texas, a growing city in Denton County, was once known as the "Unique Dining Capital of Texas." Situated along major transportation routes, it has experienced significant population growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 11,174, Roanoke has a total crime rate of 1,333.5 per 100,000 residents.