Is Chicago or Lake Stevens Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Stevens is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 83/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 766 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 81% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Stevens has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 64.4x 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 Stevens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lake Stevens, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lake Stevens | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 765.9 | +3,246.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 117.1 | +422.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 34.2 | +24.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 17.1 | +318.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 65.9 | +62.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 648.8 | +2,823.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 53.7 | +241.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 504.9 | +1,813.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 90.2 | +768.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lake Stevens safer?
Lake Stevens is safer with a total crime rate of 766 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lake Stevens has 117.1. Lake Stevens 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 Stevens, WA
Lake Stevens, a city named for Isaac Stevens, first governor of Washington Territory, sits on the largest lake in Snohomish County. This community, home to over 36,000 residents, is bordered by the Snohomish River to the south. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 41,000, Lake Stevens has a total crime rate of 765.9 per 100,000 residents.