Is Chicago or Dearborn Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dearborn Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 50/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,697 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 58% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dearborn Heights has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 43.9x 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
Dearborn Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Dearborn Heights, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Dearborn Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,697.5 | +2,314.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 458.9 | +81.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 21.6 | +37.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 48.2 | +287.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 387.4 | -259.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,238.6 | +2,233.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 167.9 | +126.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 758.1 | +1,560.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 312.6 | +546.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Dearborn Heights safer?
Dearborn Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,697 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Dearborn Heights has 458.9. Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights, MI
Dearborn Heights, Michigan, a Detroit suburb, is known for its diverse population and significant Arab American community. Situated along the Rouge River, it offers a blend of residential areas and commercial corridors. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 60,148, Dearborn Heights has a total crime rate of 1,697.5 per 100,000 residents.