Is Chicago or Ferguson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Ferguson (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,211 for Ferguson — 5% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ferguson has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 148.0x 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
Ferguson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Ferguson, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Ferguson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,210.8 | -198.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 712.1 | -172.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 33.6 | -16.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 28.0 | +30.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 123.4 | +211.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 527.1 | -398.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,498.7 | -26.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 555.1 | -260.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,040.9 | +277.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 902.7 | -43.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ferguson safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,211 for Ferguson — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Ferguson has 712.1. 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 Ferguson, MO
Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, has a rich history rooted in its founding in 1894 as a railroad stop. Today, its diverse population of around 18,000 residents reflects a community with a median age in the early 30s. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 17,835, Ferguson has a total crime rate of 4,210.8 per 100,000 residents.