Is Akron or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Akron is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 10/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 6% lower. Akron has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Akron has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 14.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Akron — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Akron, OH
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Akron | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,775.3 | 4,012.2 | -236.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 820.3 | 539.9 | +280.5 |
| Murder Rate | 12.8 | 17.5 | -4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 113.2 | 58.8 | +54.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 82.4 | 335.3 | -252.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 612.0 | 128.3 | +483.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,955.0 | 3,472.4 | -517.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 379.3 | 294.8 | +84.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,162.9 | 2,318.8 | -155.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 412.8 | 858.9 | -446.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akron or Chicago safer?
Akron is safer with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Akron has a violent crime rate of 820.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Akron, OH
Akron, once the "Rubber Capital of the World," sits in Northeast Ohio. This city, home to over 190,000 residents, features a diverse population and a reinvented economy. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 188,223, Akron has a total crime rate of 3,775.3 per 100,000 residents.
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.