Is Chicago or Saint Albans Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saint Albans is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 33/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,313 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 42% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Saint Albans has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 257.6x 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
Saint Albans — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Saint Albans, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Saint Albans | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,313.3 | +1,698.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 224.5 | +315.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 29.3 | +29.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 39.0 | +296.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 156.2 | -27.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,088.8 | +1,383.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 263.5 | +31.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,659.4 | +659.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 165.9 | +692.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Saint Albans safer?
Saint Albans is safer with a total crime rate of 2,313 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Saint Albans has 224.5. Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans, WV
Saint Albans, West Virginia, a Kanawha Valley city, was once known as "Fourteen Mile Island" due to its riverside location. Over 10,000 residents call this historic community home. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 10,245, Saint Albans has a total crime rate of 2,313.3 per 100,000 residents.