Is Chicago or Cleveland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cleveland is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 22/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,837 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 29% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Cleveland has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 53.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Cleveland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,837.4 | +1,174.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 452.7 | +87.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.0 | +13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.2 | +40.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 62.7 | +272.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 367.8 | -239.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,384.7 | +1,087.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 272.8 | +21.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,962.3 | +356.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 149.6 | +709.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Cleveland safer?
Cleveland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,837 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Cleveland has 452.7. Cleveland 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, TN
Cleveland, Tennessee, a city named for Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, sits in Bradley County at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It's home to Lee University, a prominent Church of God institution. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 49,482, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 2,837.4 per 100,000 residents.