Is Chicago or Lincoln Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lincoln is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 87/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 657 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 84% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lincoln has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 47.0x 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
Lincoln — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lincoln, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lincoln | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 657.1 | +3,355.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 96.2 | +443.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.8 | +15.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 17.8 | +41.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 14.3 | +321.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 62.3 | +66.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 561.0 | +2,911.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 35.6 | +259.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 491.5 | +1,827.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 33.8 | +825.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lincoln safer?
Lincoln is safer with a total crime rate of 657 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lincoln has 96.2. Lincoln 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 Lincoln, CA
Lincoln, California, a Placer County city once known for its brickyards, is experiencing rapid growth. Situated in the Sacramento metropolitan area, its population has more than doubled since 2000. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 56,152, Lincoln has a total crime rate of 657.1 per 100,000 residents.