Is Chicago or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 57% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 4.3x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 9,406.9 | -5,394.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 2,508.0 | -1,968.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 40.6 | -23.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 70.0 | -11.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 348.7 | -13.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 2,042.1 | -1,913.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 6,899.0 | -3,426.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 915.8 | -621.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 4,399.5 | -2,080.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,583.6 | -724.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Memphis safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. 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 Memphis, TN
Memphis, a city on the Mississippi River, is the birthplace of the blues and a major hub for the music industry. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and diverse community. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 613,207, Memphis has a total crime rate of 9,406.9 per 100,000 residents.