Is Chicago or Federal Way Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Federal Way (Safety Score 8/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,918 for Federal Way — 18% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Federal Way has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 27.3x 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
Federal Way — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Federal Way, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Federal Way | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,917.7 | -905.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 545.4 | -5.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.2 | +12.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 51.7 | +7.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 150.1 | +185.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 338.4 | -210.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,372.3 | -899.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 573.3 | -278.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,655.5 | -336.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,143.5 | -284.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Federal Way safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,918 for Federal Way — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Federal Way has 545.4. Chicago 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 Federal Way, WA
Federal Way, a Puget Sound city, was once home to extensive timber operations. This diverse community, part of King County, is now a bustling suburban hub with a significant Asian population. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 96,631, Federal Way has a total crime rate of 4,917.7 per 100,000 residents.