Is Chicago or Laurel Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Laurel (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,255 for Laurel — 24% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Laurel has a 61% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 90.3x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Laurel, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Laurel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,255.2 | -1,243.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 393.7 | +146.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.9 | +10.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 24.0 | +34.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 130.1 | +205.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 232.8 | -104.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,861.5 | -1,389.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 198.6 | +96.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,752.3 | -1,433.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 910.7 | -51.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Laurel safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,255 for Laurel — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Laurel has 393.7. Laurel 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 Laurel, MD
Laurel, Maryland, a diverse city in Prince George's County, sits along the Patuxent River. Historically, it was a mill town, with industries like textiles and paper flourishing in the 19th century. Today, it's a bustling suburban hub with a significant commuter population. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 29,209, Laurel has a total crime rate of 5,255.2 per 100,000 residents.