Is Chicago or Elk River Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elk River is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 70/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,096 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 73% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Elk River has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 94.8x 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
Elk River — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Elk River, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Elk River | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,096.1 | +2,916.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 89.8 | +450.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 32.3 | +26.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.2 | +328.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 50.3 | +78.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,006.3 | +2,466.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 154.5 | +140.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 797.8 | +1,521.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 53.9 | +805.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Elk River safer?
Elk River is safer with a total crime rate of 1,096 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Elk River has 89.8. Elk River 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 Elk River, MN
Elk River, the Sherburne County seat, is where the Elk River meets the Mississippi. Its hydroelectric power plant, built in 1907, was instrumental in its early growth. The city is home to over 27,000 residents. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 27,826, Elk River has a total crime rate of 1,096.1 per 100,000 residents.