Is Chicago or Elmhurst Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elmhurst is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 79/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 883 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 78% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Elmhurst has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 58.4x 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
Elmhurst — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Elmhurst, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Elmhurst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 882.6 | +3,129.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 59.7 | +480.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 13.3 | +45.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 17.7 | +317.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 28.8 | +99.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 822.9 | +2,649.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 148.2 | +146.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 639.3 | +1,679.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 35.4 | +823.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Elmhurst safer?
Elmhurst is safer with a total crime rate of 883 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 78% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Elmhurst has 59.7. Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, IL
Elmhurst, a western suburb of Chicago, is home to Elmhurst University and notable for its historic Wilder Park. It's primarily a residential community with a population around 45,000. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 45,206, Elmhurst has a total crime rate of 882.6 per 100,000 residents.