Is Chicago or Miami Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Miami is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 14/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,381 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 16% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Miami has a 98% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 205.6x 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
Miami — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Miami, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Miami | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,381.1 | +631.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 514.2 | +25.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.8 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 54.5 | +4.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.8 | +327.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 444.1 | -315.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,866.9 | +605.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 498.6 | -203.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,181.4 | +137.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 187.0 | +671.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Miami safer?
Miami is safer with a total crime rate of 3,381 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Miami has 514.2. Miami 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 Miami, OK
Miami, Oklahoma, a town in Ottawa County, was once a thriving lead and zinc mining hub. Located in the northeastern corner of the state, it serves as the tribal headquarters for several Native American nations. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 12,836, Miami has a total crime rate of 3,381.1 per 100,000 residents.