Is Chicago or Golden Valley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Golden Valley is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 72/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,053 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 74% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Golden Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 126.8x 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
Golden Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Golden Valley, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Golden Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,052.6 | +2,959.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 67.3 | +472.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.6 | +49.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 57.7 | +70.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 985.3 | +2,487.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 110.6 | +184.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 850.7 | +1,468.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 24.0 | +834.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Golden Valley safer?
Golden Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,053 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Golden Valley has 67.3. Golden Valley 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 Golden Valley, MN
Golden Valley, a first-ring suburb west of Minneapolis, is home to General Mills' world headquarters. Its rolling terrain and numerous parks contribute to a high quality of life for its over 22,000 residents. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 20,806, Golden Valley has a total crime rate of 1,052.6 per 100,000 residents.