Is Albert Lea or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Albert Lea is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 50/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,698 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 58% lower. Albert Lea has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Albert Lea has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 145.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Albert Lea — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albert Lea, MN
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albert Lea | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,698.4 | 4,012.2 | -2,313.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 208.9 | 539.9 | -331.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 11.0 | 58.8 | -47.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.5 | 335.3 | -307.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 170.4 | 128.3 | +42.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,489.5 | 3,472.4 | -1,982.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 313.3 | 294.8 | +18.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,071.8 | 2,318.8 | -1,247.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 104.4 | 858.9 | -754.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albert Lea or Chicago safer?
Albert Lea is safer with a total crime rate of 1,698 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albert Lea has a violent crime rate of 208.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Albert Lea has lower violent crime.
About Albert Lea, MN
Albert Lea, Minnesota, is a city of about 18,000 residents in Freeborn County, named for a surveyor. It's known for its two lakes, Albert Lea Lake and Fountain Lake, and for being the birthplace of the Naeve Hospital School of Nursing. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 18,194, Albert Lea has a total crime rate of 1,698.4 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.