Is Chicago or Utica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Utica is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,477 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 13% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Utica has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 41.8x 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
Utica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Utica, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Utica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,477.1 | +535.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 527.8 | +12.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.9 | +9.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 38.0 | +20.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 95.1 | +240.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 386.7 | -258.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,949.4 | +523.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 294.8 | 0.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,508.8 | -190.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 145.8 | +713.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Utica safer?
Utica is safer with a total crime rate of 3,477 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Utica has 527.8. Utica 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 Utica, NY
Utica, a former industrial hub in the Mohawk Valley, is known for its diverse population and culinary traditions like the Utica riggies. Nestled along the Mohawk River, it serves as a regional center for healthcare and education. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 63,098, Utica has a total crime rate of 3,477.1 per 100,000 residents.