Is Chicago or Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 3% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 4.7x 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
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,135.0 | -122.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,434.3 | -894.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 23.9 | -6.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 68.2 | -9.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 308.2 | +27.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 1,030.7 | -902.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,700.7 | +771.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 388.1 | -93.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,255.1 | +1,063.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,057.4 | -198.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Milwaukee safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Milwaukee has 1,434.3. 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 Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, a city on Lake Michigan's western shore, boasts a rich brewing heritage and a diverse population. Its industrial past is evident in its architecture and strong community ties. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 560,416, Milwaukee has a total crime rate of 4,135.0 per 100,000 residents.