Is Chicago or Harper Woods Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Harper Woods (Safety Score 8/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,042 for Harper Woods — 20% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Harper Woods has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 179.3x 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
Harper Woods — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Harper Woods, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Harper Woods | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,041.8 | -1,029.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 774.6 | -234.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.8 | +10.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 27.2 | +31.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 95.1 | +240.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 645.5 | -517.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,267.2 | -794.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 326.2 | -31.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,473.3 | -154.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,467.7 | -608.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Harper Woods safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,042 for Harper Woods — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Harper Woods has 774.6. 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 Harper Woods, MI
Harper Woods is a small suburb bordering Detroit, known for its mid-century housing stock. It's home to Eastland Center, one of the nation's pioneering post-war shopping malls, reflecting its development during the auto industry's boom. The city is geographically compact, primarily residential with a diverse population. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 14,717, Harper Woods has a total crime rate of 5,041.8 per 100,000 residents.