Is Chicago or Lake Zurich Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Zurich is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,272 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 68% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Zurich has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 134.3x 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 Zurich — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lake Zurich, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lake Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,272.3 | +2,740.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 61.1 | +478.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 25.5 | +33.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 35.6 | +92.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,211.2 | +2,261.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 76.3 | +218.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,084.0 | +1,234.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 50.9 | +808.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lake Zurich safer?
Lake Zurich is safer with a total crime rate of 1,272 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lake Zurich has 61.1. Lake Zurich 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 Zurich, IL
Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburban village in southwestern Lake County, boasts a picturesque namesake lake. Settled in the 1830s, the community has grown to over 19,000 residents. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 19,650, Lake Zurich has a total crime rate of 1,272.3 per 100,000 residents.