Is Chicago or Kenosha Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kenosha is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 68/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,154 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 71% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Kenosha has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 27.0x 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
Kenosha — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Kenosha, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Kenosha | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,154.1 | +2,858.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 287.8 | +252.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.1 | +14.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 46.1 | +12.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 35.8 | +299.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 200.7 | -72.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 866.3 | +2,606.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 90.1 | +204.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 700.5 | +1,618.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 75.8 | +783.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Kenosha safer?
Kenosha is safer with a total crime rate of 1,154 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Kenosha has 287.8. Kenosha 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 Kenosha, WI
Kenosha, a city on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, boasts a rich industrial past, once home to a major Nash Motors plant. Its population of roughly 100,000 residents reflects a diverse Midwestern community. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 97,652, Kenosha has a total crime rate of 1,154.1 per 100,000 residents.