Is Chicago or Emporia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Emporia is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,671 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 33% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Emporia has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 109.4x 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
Emporia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Emporia, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Emporia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,671.2 | +1,341.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 369.2 | +170.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 66.4 | -7.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.6 | +318.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 286.2 | -157.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,302.0 | +1,170.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 431.4 | -136.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,791.9 | +526.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 78.8 | +780.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Emporia safer?
Emporia is safer with a total crime rate of 2,671 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Emporia has 369.2. Emporia 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 Emporia, KS
Emporia, Kansas, a city of around 24,000 in Lyon County, is home to Emporia State University. Situated in the Flint Hills, it was a significant stop on the Santa Fe Trail. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 24,109, Emporia has a total crime rate of 2,671.2 per 100,000 residents.