Is Chicago or Crystal Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Crystal is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 28/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,505 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 38% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Crystal has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 122.9x 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
Crystal — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Crystal, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Crystal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,505.0 | +1,507.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 279.4 | +260.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.7 | +12.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 23.3 | +35.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 51.2 | +284.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 200.2 | -71.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,225.6 | +1,246.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 172.3 | +122.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,848.5 | +470.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 204.9 | +654.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Crystal safer?
Crystal is safer with a total crime rate of 2,505 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Crystal has 279.4. Crystal 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 Crystal, MN
Crystal, Minnesota, a first-ring suburb northwest of Minneapolis, boasts a vibrant community with a median age of 37. Its name reflects the clear waters of Crystal Lake, a local recreational hub. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 21,477, Crystal has a total crime rate of 2,505.0 per 100,000 residents.