Is Chicago or Upper Merion Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Upper Merion Township is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,878 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 3% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Upper Merion Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 72.5x 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
Upper Merion Township — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Upper Merion Township, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Upper Merion Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,878.3 | +134.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 123.6 | +416.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 57.7 | +277.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 65.9 | +62.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,754.7 | -282.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 71.4 | +223.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,551.4 | -1,232.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 131.8 | +727.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Upper Merion Township safer?
Upper Merion Township is safer with a total crime rate of 3,878 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Upper Merion Township has 123.6. Upper Merion Township 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 Upper Merion Township, PA
Upper Merion Township, a suburb west of Philadelphia, is home to Valley Forge National Historical Park. This affluent area in Montgomery County boasts a diverse population and a significant commercial presence, including the King of Prussia Mall. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 36,408, Upper Merion Township has a total crime rate of 3,878.3 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Chicago
Compare Upper Merion Township
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