Is Chicago or Edmonds Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Edmonds is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,261 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 19% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Edmonds has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 61.9x 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
Edmonds — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Edmonds, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Edmonds | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,260.7 | +751.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 260.2 | +279.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.3 | +15.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 37.5 | +21.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 51.6 | +283.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 168.8 | -40.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,000.5 | +471.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 412.6 | -117.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,435.6 | -116.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 152.4 | +706.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Edmonds safer?
Edmonds is safer with a total crime rate of 3,261 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Edmonds has 260.2. Edmonds 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 Edmonds, WA
Edmonds, a Puget Sound ferry terminal city, boasts views of the Olympic Mountains and was the first city in Washington with an underwater park. Its population is approximately 42,000, with a median age of 47. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 42,659, Edmonds has a total crime rate of 3,260.7 per 100,000 residents.