Moving from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago, IL or Grand Rapids, MI Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Grand Rapids, MI is safer than Chicago, IL (Safety Score 14/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,391 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago, IL — 15% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Grand Rapids has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 13.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Grand Rapids, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,390.8 | +621.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 910.1 | -370.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.1 | +11.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 89.8 | -31.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 116.4 | +218.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 697.8 | -569.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,480.7 | +991.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 267.5 | +27.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,828.9 | +489.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 384.4 | +474.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Grand Rapids safer?
Grand Rapids, MI is safer with a total crime rate of 3,391 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago, IL — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Grand Rapids has 910.1. 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 Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city on the Grand River, is known as "Furniture City" due to its rich manufacturing history. It's the second-largest city in Michigan, with a diverse population. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 195,913, Grand Rapids has a total crime rate of 3,390.8 per 100,000 residents.