Is Chicago or El Mirage Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Mirage is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 52/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,639 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 59% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where El Mirage has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 73.7x 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
El Mirage — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
El Mirage, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | El Mirage | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,639.0 | +2,373.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 382.5 | +157.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.8 | +14.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 61.4 | -2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 22.3 | +312.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 296.0 | -167.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,256.5 | +2,215.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 134.0 | +160.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 938.2 | +1,380.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 184.3 | +674.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or El Mirage safer?
El Mirage is safer with a total crime rate of 1,639 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while El Mirage has 382.5. El Mirage 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 El Mirage, AZ
El Mirage, Arizona, a city with roots in agriculture and once home to Luke Air Force Base personnel, sits in the Sonoran Desert west of Phoenix. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 35,815, El Mirage has a total crime rate of 1,639.0 per 100,000 residents.