Is Chicago or La Crosse Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than La Crosse (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,103 for La Crosse — 2% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where La Crosse has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 51.8x 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
La Crosse — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
La Crosse, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | La Crosse | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,102.7 | -90.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 391.0 | +148.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.0 | +15.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 78.6 | -19.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 25.5 | +309.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 284.9 | -156.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,711.7 | -239.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 279.0 | +15.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,269.6 | -950.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 163.1 | +695.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or La Crosse safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,103 for La Crosse — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while La Crosse has 391.0. La Crosse 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 La Crosse, WI
Nestled on the Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is home to Oktoberfest USA. This city of roughly 52,000 residents lies in a unique bluffland topography. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 50,893, La Crosse has a total crime rate of 4,102.7 per 100,000 residents.