Is Chicago or Lake City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 99/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 221 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 95% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 207.9x 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
Lake City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lake City, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lake City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 220.6 | +3,791.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 15.8 | +524.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 15.8 | +112.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 204.9 | +3,267.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 47.3 | +247.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 157.6 | +2,161.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 0.0 | +858.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lake City safer?
Lake City is safer with a total crime rate of 221 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 95% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lake City has 15.8. Lake City 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 Lake City, FL
Lake City, Florida, a North Florida town, was once known as "Bandana" for its Confederate sympathies. Situated at the intersection of I-75 and I-10, it's the county seat of Columbia County, home to over 60,000 residents. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 12,691, Lake City has a total crime rate of 220.6 per 100,000 residents.