Is Baltimore or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Baltimore (Safety Score 8/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,763 for Baltimore — 30% lower. Baltimore has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 4.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baltimore, MD
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baltimore | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,763.2 | 4,012.2 | +1,750.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,606.2 | 539.9 | +1,066.3 |
| Murder Rate | 34.8 | 17.5 | +17.3 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 58.8 | -1.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 573.2 | 335.3 | +237.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.7 | 128.3 | +812.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,157.0 | 3,472.4 | +684.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 523.8 | 294.8 | +229.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,581.9 | 2,318.8 | +263.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,051.3 | 858.9 | +192.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,763 for Baltimore — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baltimore has a violent crime rate of 1,606.2 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, a historic port city on the Patapsco River, is home to the Inner Harbor and a diverse population. Known for its distinct neighborhoods and the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, it's the most populous city in Maryland. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 566,632, Baltimore has a total crime rate of 5,763.2 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.