Is Chicago or Erie Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Erie is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 77/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 926 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 77% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Erie has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 71.2x 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
Erie — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Erie, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Erie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 925.7 | +3,086.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 29.7 | +510.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 5.4 | +53.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 2.7 | +332.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 21.6 | +106.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 896.0 | +2,576.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 175.4 | +119.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 669.3 | +1,649.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 51.3 | +807.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Erie safer?
Erie is safer with a total crime rate of 926 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Erie has 29.7. Erie 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 Erie, CO
Erie, Colorado, a former coal mining town, sits north of Denver. This growing Boulder County community has seen a significant population increase, attracting new residents to its suburban landscape. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 37,055, Erie has a total crime rate of 925.7 per 100,000 residents.