Is Chicago or Shelbyville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shelbyville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 32/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,343 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 robbery, where Shelbyville has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 102.9x 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
Shelbyville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Shelbyville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Shelbyville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,342.6 | +1,669.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 432.7 | +107.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.9 | +13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 50.7 | +8.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 11.7 | +323.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 366.4 | -238.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,910.0 | +1,562.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 175.4 | +119.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,563.1 | +755.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 171.5 | +687.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Shelbyville safer?
Shelbyville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,343 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 Shelbyville has 432.7. Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville, TN
Shelbyville, the "Walking Horse Capital of the World," is a charming city in Bedford County. Situated in Middle Tennessee, it boasts a population of around 23,000 residents. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 25,655, Shelbyville has a total crime rate of 2,342.6 per 100,000 residents.