Is Chicago or Las Vegas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Vegas is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 37/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 47% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Vegas has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 205.9x 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
Las Vegas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Las Vegas, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Las Vegas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,122.4 | +1,889.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 655.4 | -115.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.8 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 23.4 | +35.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 39.0 | +296.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 585.2 | -456.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,466.9 | +2,005.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 249.7 | +45.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,108.0 | +1,210.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 109.2 | +749.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Las Vegas safer?
Las Vegas is safer with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Las Vegas has 655.4. 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 Las Vegas, NM
Las Vegas, NM, a city with a rich Wild West past and over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at 6,431 feet in elevation. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 12,816, Las Vegas has a total crime rate of 2,122.4 per 100,000 residents.