Is Chicago or Kentwood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kentwood is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 27/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,570 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 36% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kentwood has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 49.0x 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
Kentwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Kentwood, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Kentwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,570.0 | +1,442.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 387.8 | +152.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.9 | +15.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 59.4 | -0.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 37.1 | +298.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 289.5 | -161.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,182.2 | +1,290.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 215.3 | +79.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,616.2 | +702.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 350.7 | +508.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Kentwood safer?
Kentwood is safer with a total crime rate of 2,570 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Kentwood has 387.8. Kentwood 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 Kentwood, MI
Kentwood, Michigan, a diverse suburb south of Grand Rapids, grew significantly after the construction of Rogers Plaza in the 1960s. It encompasses a substantial portion of the southern Grand Rapids metropolitan area, with a population exceeding 50,000. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 53,891, Kentwood has a total crime rate of 2,570.0 per 100,000 residents.