Is Chicago Heights or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Chicago Heights (Safety Score 17/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,965 for Chicago Heights — 21% lower. Chicago Heights has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 64.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago Heights, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago Heights | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,964.8 | 3,125.4 | +839.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,232.5 | 800.0 | +432.4 |
| Murder Rate | 19.4 | 8.4 | +11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.5 | 64.3 | -17.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 263.6 | 181.6 | +81.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 903.0 | 545.3 | +357.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,732.4 | 2,325.3 | +407.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 674.4 | 317.2 | +357.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,465.0 | 1,582.1 | -117.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 593.0 | 426.0 | +167.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago Heights or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,965 for Chicago Heights — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago Heights has a violent crime rate of 1,232.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights, once home to the Illinois Steel Company, is a diverse southern suburb of Chicago. Its population is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 25,802, Chicago Heights has a total crime rate of 3,964.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.