Is Chicago or Mason City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mason City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 27/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 37% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mason City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 98.5x 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
Mason City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mason City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mason City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,546.1 | +1,466.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 224.0 | +315.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 100.8 | -42.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 14.9 | +320.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 108.3 | +20.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,322.1 | +1,150.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 313.6 | -18.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,937.6 | +381.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 70.9 | +787.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mason City safer?
Mason City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mason City has 224.0. Mason City 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 Mason City, IA
Mason City, Iowa, a regional hub in north-central Iowa, is known for its Prairie School architecture, including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house. Its population of around 27,000 resides amidst fertile agricultural land. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 26,786, Mason City has a total crime rate of 2,546.1 per 100,000 residents.