Is Arlington or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arlington is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 27/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,559 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 36% lower. Arlington has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Arlington has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 122.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arlington, WA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arlington | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,559.0 | 4,012.2 | -1,453.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 337.8 | 539.9 | -202.0 |
| Murder Rate | 9.3 | 17.5 | -8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 37.0 | 58.8 | -21.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.8 | 335.3 | -270.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 226.8 | 128.3 | +98.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,221.2 | 3,472.4 | -1,251.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 342.4 | 294.8 | +47.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,453.0 | 2,318.8 | -865.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 425.7 | 858.9 | -433.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Chicago safer?
Arlington is safer with a total crime rate of 2,559 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arlington has a violent crime rate of 337.8 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Arlington has lower violent crime.
About Arlington, WA
Arlington, Washington, a historic logging town, sits at the confluence of the Stillaguamish River's North and South Forks. This Snohomish County city, home to over 20,000 residents, retains a strong community identity. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 21,610, Arlington has a total crime rate of 2,559.0 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.