Is Chicago or Lincoln Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lincoln is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 67/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,183 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 71% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lincoln has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 202.8x 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, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lincoln | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,183.3 | +2,828.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 169.1 | +370.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 23.1 | +35.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.7 | +327.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 138.3 | -10.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,014.3 | +2,458.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 261.3 | +33.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 714.6 | +1,604.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 38.4 | +820.5 |
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 1,183 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lincoln has 169.1. 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, IL
Lincoln, Illinois, uniquely named for Abraham Lincoln before his presidency, is a small city in Logan County with a population around 13,000. It's situated in the heart of agricultural Illinois, near the geographic center of the state. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 13,014, Lincoln has a total crime rate of 1,183.3 per 100,000 residents.