Is Chicago or Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Moines is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 10/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 5% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Des Moines has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 12.6x 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
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,831.4 | +180.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 704.9 | -165.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.3 | +13.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 51.1 | +7.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 75.0 | +260.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 572.5 | -444.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,126.5 | +345.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 462.6 | -167.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,142.0 | +176.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 521.9 | +337.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Des Moines safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Des Moines has 704.9. Chicago 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 Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, sits on the Des Moines River. It's known for its thriving insurance industry and has a growing population, with a median age in the mid-30s. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 209,245, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,831.4 per 100,000 residents.