Is Chicago or Lorain Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lorain is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 37/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,132 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 47% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lorain has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 40.4x 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
Lorain — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Lorain, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Lorain | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,132.4 | +1,879.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 581.3 | -41.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.1 | +14.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 30.6 | +28.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 53.5 | +281.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 494.1 | -365.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,551.1 | +1,921.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 258.5 | +36.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,151.8 | +1,166.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 140.7 | +718.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Lorain safer?
Lorain is safer with a total crime rate of 2,132 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Lorain has 581.3. 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 Lorain, OH
Once a bustling steel town on Lake Erie, Lorain, Ohio is a diverse community of around 65,000 residents. Its rich industrial past is evident in its architecture and the resilience of its people. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 65,374, Lorain has a total crime rate of 2,132.4 per 100,000 residents.