Is Chicago or Jackson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jackson is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 69/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,117 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 Jackson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 166.6x 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
Jackson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Jackson, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Jackson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,117.3 | +2,895.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 82.1 | +457.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 31.6 | +27.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 12.6 | +322.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 37.9 | +90.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,035.2 | +2,437.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 119.9 | +174.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 808.0 | +1,510.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 107.3 | +751.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Jackson safer?
Jackson is safer with a total crime rate of 1,117 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 Jackson has 82.1. Jackson 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 Jackson, MO
Jackson, Missouri, a city in Cape Girardeau County, was founded in 1814 and served as the first county seat. It's situated near the Castor River, offering a mix of small-town charm and agricultural landscapes. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 15,842, Jackson has a total crime rate of 1,117.3 per 100,000 residents.