Is Chicago or London Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, London is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 80/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 847 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where London has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 248.4x 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
London — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
London, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | London | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 847.2 | +3,165.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 122.4 | +417.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 9.4 | +8.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.8 | +40.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 94.1 | +34.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 724.8 | +2,747.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 94.1 | +200.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 611.9 | +1,706.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 18.8 | +840.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or London safer?
London is safer with a total crime rate of 847 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while London has 122.4. London 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 London, OH
London, Ohio, the county seat of Madison County, is a small city west of Columbus. It's known for its annual London Strawberry Festival and sits in a predominantly rural agricultural region. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 10,623, London has a total crime rate of 847.2 per 100,000 residents.