Is Chicago or Medford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Medford (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,324 for Medford — 7% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 31.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Medford, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Medford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,323.7 | -311.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 491.9 | +47.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.5 | +13.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 63.7 | -4.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 89.7 | +245.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 335.0 | -206.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,831.7 | -359.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 290.2 | +4.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,338.6 | -1,019.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 202.9 | +656.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Medford safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,324 for Medford — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Medford has 491.9. Medford 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 Medford, OR
Medford, in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, is a regional hub known for its pear orchards and proximity to Crater Lake. The city's population is around 85,000, with a significant retiree community. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 84,766, Medford has a total crime rate of 4,323.7 per 100,000 residents.