Is Chicago or Marion Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marion is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 47/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,767 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 56% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Marion has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 74.6x 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
Marion — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Marion, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Marion | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,766.9 | +2,245.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 446.7 | +93.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 101.8 | -43.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 25.4 | +309.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 319.5 | -191.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,320.2 | +2,152.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 240.3 | +54.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 983.8 | +1,335.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 96.1 | +762.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Marion safer?
Marion is safer with a total crime rate of 1,767 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Marion has 446.7. Marion 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 Marion, OH
Marion, Ohio, hometown of President Warren G. Harding, is a small city in the heart of Ohio's agricultural belt. Its population of around 35,000 residents is primarily white, with a notable Black and Hispanic community. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 35,373, Marion has a total crime rate of 1,766.9 per 100,000 residents.