Is Chicago or Saratoga Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saratoga Springs is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,902 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 53% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Saratoga Springs has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 92.4x 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
Saratoga Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Saratoga Springs, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Saratoga Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,902.2 | +2,110.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 185.7 | +354.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.5 | +14.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 56.1 | +2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 31.5 | +303.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 94.6 | +33.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,716.5 | +1,755.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 234.7 | +60.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,457.3 | +861.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 24.5 | +834.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Saratoga Springs safer?
Saratoga Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 1,902 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Saratoga Springs has 185.7. Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs, renowned for its mineral springs and horse racing, is a vibrant city in upstate New York. It attracts a seasonal influx of tourists, particularly during the summer racing meet, impacting its small permanent population of around 28,000. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 28,546, Saratoga Springs has a total crime rate of 1,902.2 per 100,000 residents.