Is Chicago or Schenectady Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Schenectady is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 10/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 6% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Schenectady has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 38.5x 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
Schenectady — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Schenectady, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Schenectady | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,775.0 | +237.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 645.7 | -105.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.2 | +7.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 56.8 | +1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 100.6 | +234.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 478.1 | -349.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,129.3 | +343.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 400.8 | -106.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,508.4 | -189.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 220.1 | +638.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Schenectady safer?
Schenectady is safer with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Schenectady has 645.7. 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 Schenectady, NY
Schenectady, once home to General Electric, sits on the Mohawk River in eastern New York. This city, with a diverse population, is part of the Capital Region. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 68,610, Schenectady has a total crime rate of 3,775.0 per 100,000 residents.