Moving from Chicago, IL to Ellensburg, WA?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago or Ellensburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Ellensburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 30/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 40% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 142.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ellensburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Ellensburg, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Ellensburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,409.1 | +1,603.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 227.4 | +312.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.4 | +12.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 92.0 | -33.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 21.7 | +313.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 108.3 | +20.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,181.7 | +1,290.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 243.6 | +51.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,856.9 | +461.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 81.2 | +777.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to Ellensburg, WA?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ellensburg safer?
Ellensburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Ellensburg has 227.4. Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, a Kittitas Valley city, is home to Central Washington University and a rich rodeo tradition. Its location east of the Cascade Mountains contributes to its drier climate and agricultural roots, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,472, Ellensburg has a total crime rate of 2,409.1 per 100,000 residents.