Is Chicago or Lake Oswego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Oswego is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 67/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,166 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 71% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lake Oswego has a 98% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 66.6x 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 Oswego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lake Oswego, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lake Oswego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,165.9 | +2,846.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 65.6 | +474.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.5 | +15.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 27.8 | +31.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.6 | +327.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 27.8 | +100.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,100.3 | +2,372.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 201.9 | +92.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 789.9 | +1,528.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 108.5 | +750.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lake Oswego safer?
Lake Oswego is safer with a total crime rate of 1,166 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lake Oswego has 65.6. Lake Oswego 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 Oswego, OR
Lake Oswego, a wealthy Portland suburb, was once a hub for Oregon's iron industry. Nestled around its namesake lake, the city boasts a median household income significantly higher than the state average. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 39,627, Lake Oswego has a total crime rate of 1,165.9 per 100,000 residents.