Is Cedar Rapids or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cedar Rapids is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 20/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 26% lower. Cedar Rapids has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 19.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cedar Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 4,012.2 | -1,060.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 539.9 | -277.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 17.5 | -16.7 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 58.8 | -47.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 335.3 | -305.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 128.3 | +91.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 3,472.4 | -783.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 294.8 | -20.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 2,318.8 | -115.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 858.9 | -646.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Chicago safer?
Cedar Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Cedar Rapids has lower violent crime.
About Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a city bisected by the Cedar River, boasts a vibrant Czech Village reflecting its immigrant history. It is the second-largest city in Iowa, with a population approaching 140,000. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 135,363, Cedar Rapids has a total crime rate of 2,951.3 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.