Is Chicago or Little Rock Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Little Rock (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,887 for Little Rock — 42% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 12.9x 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
Little Rock — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Little Rock, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Little Rock | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,886.8 | -2,874.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,672.5 | -1,132.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 17.6 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 115.1 | -56.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 217.9 | +117.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 1,321.4 | -1,193.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,214.3 | -1,741.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 937.1 | -642.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,823.8 | -1,505.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 453.4 | +405.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Little Rock safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,887 for Little Rock — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Little Rock has 1,672.5. 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 Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, Arkansas, a city along the Arkansas River, is notable as the site of the 1957 Central High School desegregation crisis. Its population is approximately 203,000, serving as the state capital and a regional hub for commerce and transportation. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 204,247, Little Rock has a total crime rate of 6,886.8 per 100,000 residents.