Is Chicago or Hazel Crest Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hazel Crest is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,233 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 19% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hazel Crest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 209.6x 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
Hazel Crest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hazel Crest, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hazel Crest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,233.2 | +779.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 540.2 | -0.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 71.5 | -12.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 150.9 | +184.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 317.8 | -189.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,693.0 | +779.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 627.6 | -332.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,382.3 | +936.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 683.2 | +175.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hazel Crest safer?
Hazel Crest is safer with a total crime rate of 3,233 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hazel Crest has 540.2. 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 Hazel Crest, IL
Hazel Crest is a south Chicago suburb incorporated in 1928, known for its tree-lined streets and diverse community. It sits near major transportation routes, serving as a residential hub for commuters. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 12,588, Hazel Crest has a total crime rate of 3,233.2 per 100,000 residents.