Is Chicago or Council Bluffs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Council Bluffs is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,873 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 28% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Council Bluffs has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 42.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Council Bluffs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Council Bluffs, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Council Bluffs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,873.0 | +1,139.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 420.8 | +119.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.2 | +14.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 72.3 | -13.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 70.7 | +264.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 274.6 | -146.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,452.3 | +1,020.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 486.6 | -191.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,634.8 | +683.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 330.8 | +528.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Council Bluffs safer?
Council Bluffs is safer with a total crime rate of 2,873 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Council Bluffs has 420.8. Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs, Iowa, across the Missouri River from Omaha, was a pivotal starting point for the Mormon Trail. This city of over 62,000 residents in Pottawattamie County has a rich railway history. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 62,269, Council Bluffs has a total crime rate of 2,873.0 per 100,000 residents.