Is Chicago or Columbia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 34% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbia has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 20.2x 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
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Columbia, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Columbia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,666.6 | +1,345.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 349.1 | +190.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.0 | +7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 38.4 | +20.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 39.9 | +295.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 259.3 | -131.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,317.5 | +1,154.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 332.9 | -38.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,605.6 | +713.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 379.0 | +479.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Columbia safer?
Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Columbia has 349.1. Columbia 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 Columbia, MO
Columbia, home to the University of Missouri, is a vibrant college town in central Missouri's Boone County. Its "District" area features historic buildings and local businesses, reflecting its growth as a regional hub. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 130,354, Columbia has a total crime rate of 2,666.6 per 100,000 residents.