Is Chicago or Geneva Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Geneva is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 18/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,108 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 23% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Geneva has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 214.7x 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
Geneva — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Geneva, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Geneva | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,108.5 | +903.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 301.1 | +238.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 57.0 | +1.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 65.1 | +270.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 179.0 | -50.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,807.4 | +665.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 341.8 | -47.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,400.5 | -81.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 65.1 | +793.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Geneva safer?
Geneva is safer with a total crime rate of 3,108 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Geneva has 301.1. Geneva 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 Geneva, NY
Nestled at the northern end of Seneca Lake, Geneva, NY, is a small city with a rich agricultural past, home to the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Its waterfront location and historic architecture define much of its character. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 12,289, Geneva has a total crime rate of 3,108.5 per 100,000 residents.