Is Chicago or Jefferson City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jefferson City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 31/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,373 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 41% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Jefferson City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 62.0x 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
Jefferson City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Jefferson City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Jefferson City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,373.1 | +1,639.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 333.6 | +206.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 94.0 | -35.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 30.5 | +304.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 209.1 | -80.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,039.4 | +1,433.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 141.0 | +153.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,788.0 | +530.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 110.4 | +748.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Jefferson City safer?
Jefferson City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,373 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Jefferson City has 333.6. Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City, MO
Nestled on the Missouri River bluffs, Jefferson City is Missouri's state capital, home to the imposing Capitol building. This mid-sized city, with a population around 43,000, sits roughly in the center of the state. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 42,561, Jefferson City has a total crime rate of 2,373.1 per 100,000 residents.