Is Chicago or Cleveland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 8/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 33% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 7.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Cleveland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,987.4 | -1,975.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,561.1 | -1,021.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 30.1 | -12.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 140.9 | -82.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 389.2 | -54.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 1,000.9 | -872.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,426.3 | -953.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 860.3 | -565.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,419.5 | -100.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,146.5 | -287.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Cleveland safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Cleveland has 1,561.1. Chicago has lower violent crime.
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.
About Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, a city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich industrial past and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Its diverse population reflects a blend of historic European immigrant communities and growing newer populations. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 362,762, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 5,987.4 per 100,000 residents.