Is Chicago or Detroit Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 8/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 34% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 4.1x 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
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Detroit, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,086.9 | -2,074.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,781.6 | -1,241.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 31.2 | -13.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 92.9 | -34.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 183.5 | +151.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 1,473.7 | -1,345.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,305.3 | -832.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 703.0 | -408.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,343.9 | -25.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,258.4 | -399.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Detroit safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Detroit has 1,781.6. 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 Detroit, MI
Detroit, once the "Motor City" and heart of the American auto industry, sits on the Detroit River, bordering Canada. This major Midwest city has a diverse population, with a significant African American heritage shaping its vibrant culture. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 651,171, Detroit has a total crime rate of 6,086.9 per 100,000 residents.