Is Chicago or Coldwater Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Coldwater is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,581 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Coldwater has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 179.8x 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
Coldwater — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Coldwater, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Coldwater | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,581.2 | +2,431.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 238.6 | +301.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 81.8 | -23.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 156.8 | -28.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,342.7 | +2,129.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 68.2 | +226.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,185.9 | +1,132.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 88.6 | +770.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Coldwater safer?
Coldwater is safer with a total crime rate of 1,581 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Coldwater has 238.6. Coldwater 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 Coldwater, MI
Coldwater, Michigan, the county seat of Branch County, boasts a historic downtown centered around the beautiful Tibbits Opera House. Located along US-12, it's a small city with a population under 15,000. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 14,672, Coldwater has a total crime rate of 1,581.2 per 100,000 residents.