Is Bellevue or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellevue is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 65/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,231 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 69% lower. Bellevue has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bellevue has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 41.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellevue — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellevue, NE
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellevue | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,231.3 | 4,012.2 | -2,780.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 99.2 | 539.9 | -440.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 72.4 | 58.8 | +13.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.0 | 335.3 | -324.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 15.8 | 128.3 | -112.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,132.1 | 3,472.4 | -2,340.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 97.6 | 294.8 | -197.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 910.1 | 2,318.8 | -1,408.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 124.4 | 858.9 | -734.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellevue or Chicago safer?
Bellevue is safer with a total crime rate of 1,231 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellevue has a violent crime rate of 99.2 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bellevue has lower violent crime.
About Bellevue, NE
Bellevue, Nebraska, the state's oldest city, borders the Missouri River just south of Omaha. It's home to Offutt Air Force Base, a major employer and a hub for military intelligence. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 63,510, Bellevue has a total crime rate of 1,231.3 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.