Is Chicago or Milwaukie Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Milwaukie is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 49/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,720 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 57% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Milwaukie has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 121.3x 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
Milwaukie — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Milwaukie, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Milwaukie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,719.9 | +2,292.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 193.2 | +346.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 46.0 | +12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 13.8 | +321.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 133.4 | -5.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,526.8 | +1,945.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 156.4 | +138.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,126.7 | +1,192.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 243.7 | +615.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Milwaukie safer?
Milwaukie is safer with a total crime rate of 1,720 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Milwaukie has 193.2. Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie, OR
Milwaukie, incorporated in 1903, is a city on the Willamette River, just south of Portland. It's home to the nation's first publicly funded light rail system, the MAX Orange Line. A diverse population resides in this community. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 21,745, Milwaukie has a total crime rate of 1,719.9 per 100,000 residents.