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Chicago vs Key West Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Chicago crime rate · Key West crime rate

Moving from Chicago, IL to Key West, FL?

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Is Chicago or Key West Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Key West is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 26/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 35% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Key West has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Chicago is 106.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.

Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?

Chicago — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Key West — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
Safety Score 8/100
Coverage 2,638,698
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2
Category Wins 0/7

Key West, FL

Key West, FL
Safety Score 26/100
Coverage 24,697
Total Crime Rate 2,611.7
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Chicago Key West Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2 2,611.7 +1,400.6
Violent Crime Rate 539.9 352.3 +187.6
Murder Rate 17.5 0.0 +17.5
Rape Rate 58.8 52.6 +6.1
Robbery Rate 335.3 32.4 +302.9
Aggravated Assault Rate 128.3 267.2 -138.9
Property Crime Rate 3,472.4 2,259.4 +1,213.0
Burglary Rate 294.8 214.6 +80.2
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,318.8 1,988.1 +330.7
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 858.9 56.7 +802.2

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Key West, FL?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Key West safer?

Key West is safer with a total crime rate of 2,612 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 Key West has 352.3. Key West 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 Key West, FL

Key West, a remote island city, is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and home to Ernest Hemingway's former residence. Its transient population often includes a mix of tourists and long-term residents. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 24,697, Key West has a total crime rate of 2,611.7 per 100,000 residents.

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