Is Chicago or Garden City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Garden City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,092 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 48% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Garden City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 203.7x 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
Garden City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Garden City, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Garden City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,091.7 | +1,920.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 656.1 | -116.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 84.9 | -26.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.7 | +327.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 563.5 | -435.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,435.6 | +2,036.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 162.1 | +132.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,142.3 | +1,176.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 131.2 | +727.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Garden City safer?
Garden City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,092 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Garden City has 656.1. 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 Garden City, ID
Garden City, nestled along the Boise River, was historically a haven for taverns and gambling. This small, riverside community is almost entirely surrounded by Boise, Idaho. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 12,956, Garden City has a total crime rate of 2,091.7 per 100,000 residents.