Is Buffalo Grove or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Buffalo Grove is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 84/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 738 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 82% lower. Buffalo Grove has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Buffalo Grove has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 62.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Buffalo Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo Grove, IL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo Grove | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 737.9 | 4,012.2 | -3,274.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 21.3 | 539.9 | -518.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 4.7 | 58.8 | -54.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 4.7 | 335.3 | -330.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 11.8 | 128.3 | -116.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 716.6 | 3,472.4 | -2,755.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 115.9 | 294.8 | -178.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 548.7 | 2,318.8 | -1,770.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 52.0 | 858.9 | -806.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo Grove or Chicago safer?
Buffalo Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 738 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo Grove has a violent crime rate of 21.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Buffalo Grove has lower violent crime.
About Buffalo Grove, IL
Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago, was incorporated in 1958. This village, primarily in Lake County, has a significant Jewish population and is known for its well-regarded park district. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 42,283, Buffalo Grove has a total crime rate of 737.9 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.