Is Chicago or Kirkwood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kirkwood is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 52/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,609 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 60% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kirkwood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 90.7x 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
Kirkwood — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Kirkwood, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Kirkwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,609.2 | +2,403.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 213.2 | +326.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 20.6 | +38.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 13.8 | +321.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 178.8 | -50.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,396.1 | +2,076.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 82.5 | +212.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,196.6 | +1,122.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 116.9 | +742.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Kirkwood safer?
Kirkwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,609 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Kirkwood has 213.2. Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood, MO
Kirkwood, a suburban city in St. Louis County, is home to the historic Kirkwood Farmers' Market, established in 1974. Its tree-lined streets and older housing stock contribute to its established, residential character. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 29,082, Kirkwood has a total crime rate of 1,609.2 per 100,000 residents.