Is Centralia or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Centralia is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 19/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,008 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 25% lower. Centralia has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Centralia has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 139.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Centralia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Centralia, WA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Centralia | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,007.6 | 4,012.2 | -1,004.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 269.6 | 539.9 | -270.3 |
| Murder Rate | 5.3 | 17.5 | -12.2 |
| Rape Rate | 74.0 | 58.8 | +15.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 58.1 | 335.3 | -277.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 132.1 | 128.3 | +3.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,738.0 | 3,472.4 | -734.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 396.4 | 294.8 | +101.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,172.4 | 2,318.8 | -146.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 169.1 | 858.9 | -689.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centralia or Chicago safer?
Centralia is safer with a total crime rate of 3,008 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Centralia has a violent crime rate of 269.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Centralia has lower violent crime.
About Centralia, WA
Centralia, Washington, a town with a rich logging heritage, lies in the Chehalis River Valley. Its population, predominantly white, has seen gradual growth since its founding. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 18,919, Centralia has a total crime rate of 3,007.6 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.