Is Chicago or Missoula Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 5% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Missoula has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 33.4x 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
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Missoula, MT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,226.3 | -214.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 596.9 | -57.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.5 | +14.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 106.5 | -47.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 45.6 | +289.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 442.3 | -314.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,629.4 | -157.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 323.2 | -28.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,108.6 | -789.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 197.7 | +661.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Missoula safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Missoula has 596.9. 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 Missoula, MT
Missoula, a vibrant university town in western Montana, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of three rivers. Home to the University of Montana, it boasts a youthful population and a strong appreciation for outdoor recreation and arts. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 78,911, Missoula has a total crime rate of 4,226.3 per 100,000 residents.