Is Chicago or Glen Ellyn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Glen Ellyn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 88/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 628 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 84% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Glen Ellyn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 93.7x 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
Glen Ellyn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Glen Ellyn, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Glen Ellyn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 628.2 | +3,384.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 49.7 | +490.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 28.4 | +30.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.1 | +328.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 14.2 | +114.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 578.5 | +2,893.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 53.2 | +241.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 514.6 | +1,804.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 10.7 | +848.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Glen Ellyn safer?
Glen Ellyn is safer with a total crime rate of 628 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Glen Ellyn has 49.7. Glen Ellyn 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 Glen Ellyn, IL
Glen Ellyn, a picturesque village west of Chicago, is known for its historic downtown and the iconic Lake Ellyn. Its tree-lined streets are home to a predominantly affluent population, with a median age in the early 40s. With a safety score of 88/100 and a population coverage of 28,175, Glen Ellyn has a total crime rate of 628.2 per 100,000 residents.