Is Chicago or Maryland Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Maryland Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 56/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,499 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Maryland Heights has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 96.5x 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
Maryland Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Maryland Heights, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Maryland Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,499.0 | +2,513.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 168.2 | +371.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.7 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.2 | +18.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 14.6 | +320.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 109.7 | +18.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,330.9 | +2,141.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 120.7 | +174.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 910.4 | +1,408.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 299.8 | +559.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Maryland Heights safer?
Maryland Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,499 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Maryland Heights has 168.2. Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights, MO
Maryland Heights, a suburban St. Louis county municipality, is home to Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, a popular recreation area. Located in west St. Louis County, it boasts a diverse population. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 27,351, Maryland Heights has a total crime rate of 1,499.0 per 100,000 residents.