Is Bonney Lake or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bonney Lake is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 44/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,887 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 53% lower. Bonney Lake has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bonney Lake has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 115.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bonney Lake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bonney Lake, WA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bonney Lake | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,887.1 | 4,012.2 | -2,125.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 183.9 | 539.9 | -356.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.3 | 58.8 | -32.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.9 | 335.3 | -313.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 135.7 | 128.3 | +7.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,703.2 | 3,472.4 | -1,769.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 227.7 | 294.8 | -67.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,199.7 | 2,318.8 | -1,119.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 275.8 | 858.9 | -583.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bonney Lake or Chicago safer?
Bonney Lake is safer with a total crime rate of 1,887 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bonney Lake has a violent crime rate of 183.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bonney Lake has lower violent crime.
About Bonney Lake, WA
Bonney Lake, named for pioneer Ezra Meeker's daughter, sits east of Tacoma with a population around 23,000. It is a suburban community known for its namesake lake and views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 22,839, Bonney Lake has a total crime rate of 1,887.1 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.