Is Chicago or Lake St. Louis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake St. Louis is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 87/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 662 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 83% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake St. Louis has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 136.5x 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 St. Louis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lake St. Louis, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lake St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 662.1 | +3,350.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 56.9 | +483.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 5.2 | +53.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 5.2 | +330.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 46.6 | +81.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 605.2 | +2,867.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 41.4 | +253.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 532.7 | +1,786.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 31.0 | +827.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lake St. Louis safer?
Lake St. Louis is safer with a total crime rate of 662 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lake St. Louis has 56.9. Lake St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO
Lake St. Louis, a planned community established in 1967, is nestled in St. Charles County. This affluent suburb is centered around two private lakes, offering residents a serene, water-focused lifestyle. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 19,334, Lake St. Louis has a total crime rate of 662.1 per 100,000 residents.