Is Chicago or Lakewood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Lakewood (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,270 for Lakewood — 6% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lakewood has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 42.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lakewood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lakewood, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lakewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,270.0 | -257.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 648.1 | -108.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.5 | +11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 61.4 | -2.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 130.9 | +204.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 449.3 | -321.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,621.9 | -149.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 510.7 | -216.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,484.1 | -165.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 627.1 | +231.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lakewood safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,270 for Lakewood — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lakewood has 648.1. Chicago 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, WA
Lakewood, WA, a city incorporated in 1996, sits between Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Its diverse population, with a significant military presence, resides among lakes and historic estates like Thornewood Castle. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 61,873, Lakewood has a total crime rate of 4,270.0 per 100,000 residents.