Is Chicago or Juneau Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Juneau is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 26/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,607 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 35% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Juneau has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 83.5x 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
Juneau — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Juneau, AK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Juneau | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,606.6 | +1,405.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 537.8 | +2.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.2 | +14.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 113.9 | -55.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 63.3 | +272.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 357.5 | -229.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,068.8 | +1,403.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 338.5 | -43.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,584.8 | +733.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 145.5 | +713.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Juneau safer?
Juneau is safer with a total crime rate of 2,607 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Juneau has 537.8. Juneau 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 Juneau, AK
Nestled between mountains and the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is Alaska's capital and the only U.S. state capital inaccessible by road. Its gold rush history shaped a community of around 32,000 residents, a diverse mix of government employees, tourism workers, and Tlingit people. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 31,612, Juneau has a total crime rate of 2,606.6 per 100,000 residents.