Is Chicago or Lakes Area Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lakes Area is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 83/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 761 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 Lakes Area has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 244.8x 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
Lakes Area — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lakes Area, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lakes Area | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 760.6 | +3,251.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 102.0 | +437.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 46.4 | +12.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 55.7 | +72.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 658.6 | +2,813.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 37.1 | +257.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 593.6 | +1,725.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 27.8 | +831.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lakes Area safer?
Lakes Area is safer with a total crime rate of 761 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 Lakes Area has 102.0. Lakes Area 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 Lakes Area, MN
The Lakes Area of Minnesota, known for its abundant freshwater lakes popular with tourists and retirees, is home to Brainerd, a city established during the Northern Pacific Railway's westward expansion. This region, predominantly White, experiences seasonal population shifts. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 10,781, Lakes Area has a total crime rate of 760.6 per 100,000 residents.