Is Chicago or Lakewood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lakewood is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 63/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,283 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 Lakewood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 53.6x 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
Lakewood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lakewood, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lakewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,282.7 | +2,729.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 142.1 | +397.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 14.2 | +44.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.2 | +319.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 111.6 | +16.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,140.6 | +2,331.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 109.6 | +185.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 895.0 | +1,423.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 136.0 | +722.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lakewood safer?
Lakewood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,283 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 Lakewood has 142.1. Lakewood 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 Lakewood, OH
Lakewood, Ohio, a densely populated suburb west of Cleveland, is known for its historic housing stock, including many turn-of-the-century homes. Its narrow, tree-lined streets lead to Lake Erie on its northern border. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 49,272, Lakewood has a total crime rate of 1,282.7 per 100,000 residents.