Is Chicago or Imperial Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Imperial is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 98/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 259 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 94% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Imperial has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 120.0x 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
Imperial — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Imperial, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Imperial | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 259.3 | +3,752.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 77.3 | +462.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.1 | +49.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 68.2 | +60.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 182.0 | +3,290.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 31.9 | +262.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 104.6 | +2,214.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 45.5 | +813.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Imperial safer?
Imperial is safer with a total crime rate of 259 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 94% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Imperial has 77.3. Imperial 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 Imperial, CA
Imperial, California, a city in the Imperial Valley near the Mexican border, was incorporated in 1904. Its desert climate supports a significant agricultural industry, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 21,980, Imperial has a total crime rate of 259.3 per 100,000 residents.