Is Chicago or Idaho Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Idaho Falls is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,566 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Idaho Falls has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 38.4x 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
Idaho Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Idaho Falls, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Idaho Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,565.9 | +2,446.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 356.5 | +183.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.4 | +13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 71.3 | -12.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 10.2 | +325.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 270.7 | -142.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,209.3 | +2,263.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 308.5 | -13.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 774.2 | +1,544.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 126.6 | +732.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Idaho Falls safer?
Idaho Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 1,566 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Idaho Falls has 356.5. Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls, ID
Idaho Falls, a city vital to the Manhattan Project, sits along the Snake River in eastern Idaho. It serves as a regional hub, home to the Idaho National Laboratory and a growing population. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 68,716, Idaho Falls has a total crime rate of 1,565.9 per 100,000 residents.