Is Chicago or Florence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Florence (Safety Score 8/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,725 for Florence — 15% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Florence has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 64.7x 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
Florence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Florence, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Florence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,725.2 | -713.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 806.8 | -266.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 14.7 | +2.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 34.3 | +24.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 56.4 | +278.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 701.3 | -573.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,918.5 | -446.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 306.5 | -11.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,271.1 | -952.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 340.9 | +518.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Florence safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,725 for Florence — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Florence has 806.8. 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 Florence, SC
Florence, South Carolina, a Pee Dee region hub, grew around its railroad heritage. It is the largest city in Florence County, with a diverse population of over 38,000 residents. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 40,781, Florence has a total crime rate of 4,725.2 per 100,000 residents.