Is Chicago or Roswell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Roswell is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,359 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 16% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Roswell has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 56.5x 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
Roswell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Roswell, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Roswell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,359.3 | +653.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 850.5 | -310.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.9 | +4.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 81.4 | -22.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 42.9 | +292.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 711.3 | -583.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,508.7 | +963.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 428.5 | -133.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,883.2 | +435.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 197.1 | +661.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Roswell safer?
Roswell is safer with a total crime rate of 3,359 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Roswell has 850.5. Chicago 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 Roswell, NM
Roswell, a city in southeastern New Mexico, is globally known for the alleged 1947 UFO incident. Its desert climate and relatively remote location contribute to a close-knit community of around 48,000 residents. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 46,677, Roswell has a total crime rate of 3,359.3 per 100,000 residents.