Is Chicago or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 66/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,221 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 70% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rochester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 78.0x 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
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Rochester, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,220.8 | +2,791.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 76.9 | +463.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 35.5 | +23.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 11.8 | +323.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 29.6 | +98.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,143.9 | +2,328.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 59.1 | +235.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 999.1 | +1,319.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 85.7 | +773.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,221 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Rochester has 76.9. Rochester 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 Rochester, NH
Rochester, once a major shoemaking hub, sits along the Cocheco River in Strafford County. This small city in southeastern New Hampshire is home to over 32,000 residents. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 33,831, Rochester has a total crime rate of 1,220.8 per 100,000 residents.