Is Chicago or South Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Portland is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 59/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 64% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Portland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 98.0x 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
South Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
South Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | South Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,433.3 | +2,579.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 63.1 | +476.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 7.4 | +51.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.6 | +316.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 37.1 | +91.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,370.2 | +2,102.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 81.7 | +213.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,173.4 | +1,145.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 115.1 | +743.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or South Portland safer?
South Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while South Portland has 63.1. South Portland 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 South Portland, ME
South Portland, Maine, a coastal city across the harbor from Portland, is home to Bug Light Park, a popular spot for its picturesque lighthouse. Its population of over 26,000 residents reflects a mix of residential areas and commercial districts. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 26,931, South Portland has a total crime rate of 1,433.3 per 100,000 residents.