Is Chicago or Lake Havasu City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Havasu City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 48/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,751 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 56% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Havasu City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 44.1x 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 Havasu City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lake Havasu City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,751.3 | +2,260.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 357.3 | +182.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 48.4 | +10.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 13.4 | +321.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 293.8 | -165.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,394.0 | +2,078.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 233.7 | +61.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,070.2 | +1,248.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 90.2 | +768.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lake Havasu City safer?
Lake Havasu City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,751 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lake Havasu City has 357.3. Lake Havasu 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 Havasu City, AZ
Lake Havasu City, home to the London Bridge, is a desert city in Arizona's Mohave County. Its population swells with winter visitors and spring break revelers, drawn to the Colorado River and surrounding recreational lands. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 59,898, Lake Havasu City has a total crime rate of 1,751.3 per 100,000 residents.