Is Boise or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boise is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 60/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 65% lower. Boise has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Boise has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 11.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boise — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boise, ID
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boise | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,403.8 | 4,012.2 | -2,608.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 293.8 | 539.9 | -246.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 17.5 | -16.2 |
| Rape Rate | 71.0 | 58.8 | +12.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.7 | 335.3 | -319.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 205.8 | 128.3 | +77.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,110.0 | 3,472.4 | -2,362.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.1 | 294.8 | -187.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.8 | 2,318.8 | -1,446.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 130.1 | 858.9 | -728.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise or Chicago safer?
Boise is safer with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boise has a violent crime rate of 293.8 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Boise has lower violent crime.
About Boise, ID
Boise, Idaho, known for the "Treefort Music Fest," sits along the Boise River at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. As the state capital, it's the largest city in Idaho, with a population exceeding 230,000. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 235,223, Boise has a total crime rate of 1,403.8 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.