Is Chicago or Grand Rapids Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grand Rapids is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 69/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,121 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 72% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Grand Rapids has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 232.8x 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
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Grand Rapids, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,120.6 | +2,891.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 88.2 | +451.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.8 | +50.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 79.4 | +48.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,032.4 | +2,440.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 17.7 | +277.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,014.7 | +1,304.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 0.0 | +858.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Grand Rapids safer?
Grand Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 1,121 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Grand Rapids has 88.2. Grand Rapids 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, MN
Grand Rapids, Minnesota, a city of 11,000 in Itasca County, is home to the Forest History Center. Known as the birthplace of Judy Garland, it sits on the Mississippi River, surrounded by lakes and forests. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 11,333, Grand Rapids has a total crime rate of 1,120.6 per 100,000 residents.