Is Chicago or Joplin Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Joplin (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,681 for Joplin — 14% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joplin has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 49.3x 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
Joplin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Joplin, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Joplin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,681.2 | -669.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 560.4 | -20.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 89.7 | -30.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 52.3 | +283.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 418.4 | -290.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,120.8 | -648.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 416.6 | -121.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,298.9 | -980.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 405.4 | +453.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Joplin safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,681 for Joplin — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Joplin has 560.4. 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 Joplin, MO
Joplin, a city along historic Route 66, sits in Missouri's southwestern corner. Its economy has historically been tied to lead and zinc mining. The population is around 50,000 residents. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 53,533, Joplin has a total crime rate of 4,681.2 per 100,000 residents.