Is Chicago or Dubuque Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dubuque is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 45/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 54% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Dubuque has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 45.0x 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
Dubuque — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Dubuque, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Dubuque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,835.6 | +2,176.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 400.9 | +139.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 80.2 | -21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 23.9 | +311.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 295.1 | -166.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,434.7 | +2,037.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 228.6 | +66.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,112.3 | +1,206.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 93.8 | +765.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Dubuque safer?
Dubuque is safer with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Dubuque has 400.9. Dubuque 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 Dubuque, IA
Perched on the Mississippi River, Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, boasting a rich industrial past. This Tri-State Area hub, with a population around 60,000, sits at the convergence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 58,620, Dubuque has a total crime rate of 1,835.6 per 100,000 residents.