Is Brookings or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brookings is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 68% lower. Brookings has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brookings has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 107.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brookings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brookings, SD
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brookings | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,266.3 | 4,012.2 | -2,745.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 89.3 | 539.9 | -450.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 16.2 | 58.8 | -42.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 69.0 | 128.3 | -59.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,177.0 | 3,472.4 | -2,295.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 44.7 | 294.8 | -250.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,059.3 | 2,318.8 | -1,259.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 73.1 | 858.9 | -785.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookings or Chicago safer?
Brookings is safer with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brookings has a violent crime rate of 89.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Brookings has lower violent crime.
About Brookings, SD
Brookings, South Dakota, home to South Dakota State University, is a plains community near the Minnesota border. Its population of around 24,000 is largely influenced by the university's students and faculty. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 24,638, Brookings has a total crime rate of 1,266.3 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.