Is Chicago or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Watertown (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,528 for Watertown — 11% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 109.8x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Watertown, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,527.9 | -515.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 599.3 | -59.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 166.5 | -107.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 37.5 | +297.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 395.4 | -267.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,928.6 | -456.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 387.0 | -92.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,420.9 | -1,102.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 120.7 | +738.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Watertown safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,528 for Watertown — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Watertown has 599.3. 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 Watertown, NY
Watertown, NY, a city along the Black River, boasts the first department store in the nation, founded by F.W. Woolworth. Situated just south of Fort Drum, it serves as a regional hub for Jefferson County. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 24,029, Watertown has a total crime rate of 4,527.9 per 100,000 residents.