Chicago, IL and Fort Worth, TX are two vibrant and distinct cities in the United States. From unique geographical conditions to diverse economic profiles, each city has its own charm and challenges. Both cities have their qualities and drawbacks, making them appealing to different kinds of people based on their preferences. The comparison covers an array of factors, including crime and safety, climate, cost of living, education, employment, and culture among others.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Fort Worth, TX : 821.7 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 188%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Fort Worth has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) during that time.
Chicago has a higher crime rate when compared to Fort Worth, particularly in terms of violent crimes. It's essential to consider this when planning to live or visit. However, safety can vary by neighborhood, and there are areas in both cities that are very safe. Fort Worth tends to be safer overall.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,411 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 3,166 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 793 to 1; the ratio in Fort Worth is 270 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Chicago than in Fort Worth.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Fort Worth is significantly lower than in Chicago, including housing, groceries, and transportation. Renting or buying a house is more affordable in Fort Worth.
Income Tax
The state of Illinois does impose an income tax, currently at a flat rate of 4.95%. Texas, however, does not have an income tax which can be a significant savings for residents of Fort Worth.
Property Tax
Property taxes are high in both cities, but they tend to be higher in Chicago. This should be accounted for when considering the overall costs of homeownership.
Sales Tax
Chicago residents face a higher overall tax burden, with a city sales tax of 10.25%, compared to Fort Worth's total rate at 8.25%.
Income
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$68,235
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$34,106
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
95.4
If you make $50,000 in Fort Worth, you will have to make $54,927 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Chicago is characterized by its location along Lake Michigan, providing beautiful lakefront vistas. Fort Worth, in contrast, is known for its flat plains and hot, dry conditions.
Both cities take pride in quality education, with Chicago boasting several world-renowned colleges and universities such as the University of Chicago. Meanwhile, Fort Worth hosts prestigious institutions like Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan University.
Chicago has a more diversified economy with financial services, engineering, publishing, and food processing playing key roles. Fort Worth's economy is driven largely by aerospace, transportation, and telecommunications with a growing tech industry.
Biggest Employers
In Chicago, the biggest employers are the federal and local government, school systems, and major corporations like Boeing and United Airlines. Fort Worth hosts headquarters of American Airlines, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, and Bell Helicopter Textron.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Fort Worth
2020
74.6%
49.3%
24.1%
49.1%
1.3%
1.6%
2016
74.4%
43.2%
20.9%
51.8%
4.7%
5.0%
2012
74.0%
41.4%
24.6%
57.1%
1.4%
1.4%
2008
76.4%
43.8%
22.9%
55.5%
0.7%
0.7%
2004
70.3%
37.0%
29.2%
62.5%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
69.0%
36.9%
28.8%
60.9%
2.3%
2.3%
1996
66.8%
41.6%
26.7%
50.9%
6.5%
7.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Fort Worth
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
11.1%
11.1%
1.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
2.2%
1.8%
0.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.3%
4.3%
0.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
17.3%
5.4%
33.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.5%
3.6%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.0%
1.6%
0.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.8%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.9%
1.6%
Weather
As for the weather, Fort Worth has a hot, humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while Chicago experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. If you prefer a warmer climate, Fort Worth might be the city for you.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
71.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
34.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
82.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
35 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
54%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Chicago
Chicago
Fort Worth
Chicago
Fort Worth
2018
97
67
0.26
N/A
14.3
5.8
26.2
27.1
N/A
N/A
23.6
N/A
9.3
N/A
1.7
N/A
2017
95
67
0.25
N/A
14.3
6.2
26.4
27.2
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
8.7
N/A
1.4
N/A
2016
95
56
0.21
N/A
14.9
6.3
26.5
25.5
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
9.1
N/A
0.8
N/A
2015
92
61
0.51
N/A
15.0
6.5
25.4
24.8
N/A
N/A
23.3
N/A
10.5
N/A
0.9
N/A
2014
101
56
0.45
0.22
18.0
6.8
25.1
26.6
N/A
N/A
28.9
N/A
10.7
N/A
1.3
N/A
2013
100
64
0.37
0.25
18.3
6.4
23.8
26.5
N/A
N/A
30.3
N/A
11.1
N/A
1.0
N/A
2012
112
87
0.36
0.26
18.8
7.8
25.7
30.3
N/A
N/A
31.3
N/A
12.1
N/A
1.7
N/A
2011
101
79
0.38
0.23
18.6
7.9
24.8
30.7
N/A
N/A
21.9
N/A
12.8
N/A
2.4
N/A
2010
103
70
0.37
0.23
20.4
8.5
25.4
27.7
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
12.9
N/A
1.4
N/A
2009
106
81
0.29
0.25
20.0
8.7
22.4
29.5
0.025
N/A
20.1
N/A
12.9
N/A
1.4
N/A
2008
108
69
0.32
0.25
22.8
9.6
22.8
25.8
0.026
N/A
22.7
N/A
12.5
N/A
1.8
N/A
2007
125
75
0.34
0.30
23.6
10.6
23.9
24.6
0.027
N/A
25.9
N/A
13.1
N/A
2.2
N/A
2006
95
90
0.31
0.34
23.0
10.2
21.1
29.7
0.029
N/A
22.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
N/A
2005
110
102
0.55
0.34
23.5
10.9
23.3
28.4
0.027
N/A
26.2
N/A
N/A
11.3
3.3
0.9
2004
85
78
0.83
0.39
23.9
10.6
20.3
25.4
0.032
N/A
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2003
99
82
0.69
0.40
25.1
11.1
20.0
27.2
0.030
N/A
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
N/A
2002
114
94
0.83
0.37
26.5
11.8
20.8
25.8
0.029
N/A
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
N/A
2001
107
16
0.83
0.48
27.3
N/A
19.2
N/A
0.031
N/A
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
N/A
2000
104
17
0.88
0.55
24.8
N/A
17.6
N/A
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
249.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
562.8%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
23%
Transportation
Chicago provides an extensive public transit system, including buses, trains, and bike-shares, while commuting in Fort Worth is commonly done by personal vehicle. However, public transport options are growing with Trinity Metro.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Bicycle
1.6%
0.1%
Bus
8%
0.4%
Carpooled
8.3%
11%
Car alone
62.3%
85.8%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Streetcar
6.8%
0%
Subway
3.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.1%
Walked
5.9%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Average
36.9 min
28.5 min
Other means
33.1 min
25.3 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
41.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
87.6%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
1.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Chicago's real estate market is more expensive, with a diverse mix of architectural styles and neighborhoods. Conversely, Fort Worth offers more affordable housing options, providing a lower cost of living.
Neighborhoods
Chicago's neighborhoods offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences with areas like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Ukrainian Village, while Fort Worth's neighborhoods charm with a small-town feel amidst the burgeoning city.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Houses
1,272,191
361,341
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.8
Median year apartment built
1955
1991
Median year house/condo built
1951
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
334,286 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
185,197 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
149,089 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$1,068
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$1,328
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$288,576
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$249,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$279,885
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$337,081
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$298,062
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$58,470
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$235,959
$16,069
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$279,957
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$279,281
Median house age
70
29
Renting percentage
55.1%
40.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
1,235.2
House value disparities
35.6%
31.8%
Household income disparities
48.4%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$106,170
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$72,147
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
2,986 (2.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
3,696 (3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
121,099 (97.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
66 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
5,171 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
1.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Fort Worth
One, detached
26.4%
65.4%
One, attached
3.5%
2.9%
Two
13.3%
1.6%
3 or 4
14.0%
4.1%
5 to 9
11.0%
5.8%
10 to 19
4.6%
6.5%
20 to 49
6.5%
4.6%
50 or more
20.6%
7.0%
Mobile homes
0.2%
2.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
27,257
State government workers
41,316
8,587
Unpaid family workers
4,164
392
Industries and Occupations
Chicago's top employment sectors include healthcare, professional services, retail trade, and education. For Fort Worth, the top industries are aerospace, defense, logistics, and healthcare.
Both cities provide high-quality healthcare facilities. Chicago is home to world-renowned hospitals such as Northwestern Memorial, while Fort Worth boasts excellent medical centers like Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago's infrastructure is older but well-maintained, with a comprehensive public transportation network. In contrast, Fort Worth has newer but less comprehensive public transportation. Driving is more common in Fort Worth as the city infrastructure is quite sprawling.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Fort Worth
Hospitals
86
76
TV stations
22
25
Arenas or stadiums
7
7
Bank branches located here
740
175
Bank institutions located here
99
42
Main business address for public companies
110
24
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Fort Worth
1999
7,501
3,575
2000
8,763
2,473
2001
7,090
2,109
2002
7,745
1,701
2003
10,485
2,183
2004
14,761
3,202
2005
24,041
4,261
2006
29,365
4,161
2007
17,767
2,871
2008
8,601
1,256
2009
3,506
585
Culture and Food
Chicago offers world-class cultural institutions and a diverse food scene with its famous deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Fort Worth offers a culture steeped in cowboy heritage, coupled with Tex-Mex and barbecue culinary delights.
Sports Teams
Both cities cater to sports fans. Chicago is home to the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Fort Worth residents often root for Dallas-based teams such as the Cowboys and Mavericks, but also the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars.
Chicago, IL
Fort Worth, TX
Chicago, IL and 
Fort Worth, TX : 821.7 miles
