Is Chicago or Lee's Summit Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lee's Summit is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 29/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,444 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 39% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lee's Summit has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 25.1x 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
Lee's Summit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lee's Summit, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lee's Summit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,443.5 | +1,568.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 149.5 | +390.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.0 | +16.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 29.5 | +29.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 9.5 | +325.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 109.5 | +18.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,294.1 | +1,178.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 128.5 | +166.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,871.4 | +447.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 294.1 | +564.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lee's Summit safer?
Lee's Summit is safer with a total crime rate of 2,444 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lee's Summit has 149.5. Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit, MO
Lee's Summit, a large suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, boasts a rich history tied to the railroad and farming. It's home to over 100,000 residents, primarily families and professionals, and offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 105,053, Lee's Summit has a total crime rate of 2,443.5 per 100,000 residents.