Is Chicago or Dekalb Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dekalb is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,907 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 Dekalb has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 65.6x 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
Dekalb — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Dekalb, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Dekalb | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,907.4 | +1,104.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 393.0 | +146.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 151.7 | -92.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 34.8 | +300.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 206.4 | -78.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,514.4 | +958.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 338.2 | -43.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,124.0 | +194.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 52.2 | +806.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Dekalb safer?
Dekalb is safer with a total crime rate of 2,907 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 Dekalb has 393.0. Dekalb 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 Dekalb, IL
DeKalb, Illinois, home to Northern Illinois University, is a city in DeKalb County, about 65 miles west of Chicago. It's known as the "Barb City" due to Joseph Glidden's invention of barbed wire here. The population is diverse, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 40,208, Dekalb has a total crime rate of 2,907.4 per 100,000 residents.