Is Bemidji or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Bemidji (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,400 for Bemidji — 26% lower. Bemidji has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bemidji has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 166.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bemidji — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bemidji, MN
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bemidji | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,399.6 | 4,012.2 | +1,387.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 813.7 | 539.9 | +273.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 208.2 | 58.8 | +149.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 82.0 | 335.3 | -253.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 523.6 | 128.3 | +395.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,585.9 | 3,472.4 | +1,113.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.3 | 294.8 | +58.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,049.7 | 2,318.8 | +1,731.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 182.9 | 858.9 | -675.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bemidji or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,400 for Bemidji — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bemidji has a violent crime rate of 813.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Bemidji, MN
Bemidji, Minnesota, "First City on the Mississippi," is a northern Minnesota hub. This city of 15,000 is home to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, reflecting its logging heritage. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 15,853, Bemidji has a total crime rate of 5,399.6 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.