Is Bella Vista or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bella Vista is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 85/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 691 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 83% lower. Bella Vista has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bella Vista has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 79.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bella Vista — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bella Vista, AR
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bella Vista | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 691.4 | 4,012.2 | -3,320.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 202.3 | 539.9 | -337.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.0 | 17.5 | -14.5 |
| Rape Rate | 30.2 | 58.8 | -28.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 169.1 | 128.3 | +40.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 489.1 | 3,472.4 | -2,983.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 48.3 | 294.8 | -246.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 422.7 | 2,318.8 | -1,896.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 18.1 | 858.9 | -840.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bella Vista or Chicago safer?
Bella Vista is safer with a total crime rate of 691 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bella Vista has a violent crime rate of 202.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bella Vista has lower violent crime.
About Bella Vista, AR
Bella Vista, Arkansas, a Bentonville suburb established as a retirement community, sits in the Ozark Mountains. This planned city is known for its seven scenic lakes and golf courses. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 33,122, Bella Vista has a total crime rate of 691.4 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.