Is Chicago or Watervliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watervliet is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 29/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,483 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 38% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Watervliet has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 261.1x 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
Watervliet — 1-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Watervliet, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Watervliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,483.2 | +1,529.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 356.2 | +183.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 9.9 | +7.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 69.3 | -10.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 89.0 | +246.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 188.0 | -59.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,127.0 | +1,345.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 366.1 | -71.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,592.8 | +726.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 168.2 | +690.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Watervliet safer?
Watervliet is safer with a total crime rate of 2,483 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Watervliet has 356.2. Watervliet 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 Watervliet, NY
Watervliet, a small city in Albany County, New York, is historically known for its federal arsenal established in 1813. Situated on the Hudson River, it has a population of around 10,000 residents. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 10,108, Watervliet has a total crime rate of 2,483.2 per 100,000 residents.