Is Chicago or Minneapolis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Minneapolis (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,305 for Minneapolis — 36% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 54% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 6.2x 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
Minneapolis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Minneapolis, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Minneapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,304.5 | -2,292.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,161.6 | -621.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 18.0 | -0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 89.1 | -30.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 371.9 | -36.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 681.3 | -553.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,142.9 | -1,670.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 618.7 | -324.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,977.5 | -658.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,546.7 | -687.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Minneapolis safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,305 for Minneapolis — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Minneapolis has 1,161.6. 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 Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city bisected by the Mississippi River, boasts a vibrant arts scene, home to the iconic Guthrie Theater. Its diverse population is concentrated in a landscape of lakes and parks. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 423,282, Minneapolis has a total crime rate of 6,304.5 per 100,000 residents.