Is Belleville or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Belleville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 32/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,344 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 42% lower. Belleville has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Belleville has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 65.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Belleville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Belleville, IL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Belleville | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,344.3 | 4,012.2 | -1,667.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 532.0 | 539.9 | -7.8 |
| Murder Rate | 14.9 | 17.5 | -2.6 |
| Rape Rate | 77.1 | 58.8 | +18.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.3 | 335.3 | -298.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 402.7 | 128.3 | +274.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,812.3 | 3,472.4 | -1,660.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 581.7 | 294.8 | +287.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 902.4 | 2,318.8 | -1,416.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 328.2 | 858.9 | -530.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belleville or Chicago safer?
Belleville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,344 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Belleville has a violent crime rate of 532.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Belleville has lower violent crime.
About Belleville, IL
Belleville, Illinois, a city in St. Clair County, boasts a rich German heritage, reflected in its architecture and annual Oktoberfest. Situated near the Mississippi River, it's a significant suburban hub for the Metro East region. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 40,225, Belleville has a total crime rate of 2,344.3 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.