Is Chicago or Mitchell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mitchell is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 34/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 44% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mitchell has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 169.1x 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
Mitchell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mitchell, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mitchell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,229.8 | +1,782.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 262.7 | +277.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.4 | +11.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 38.4 | +20.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 19.2 | +316.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 198.6 | -70.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,967.1 | +1,505.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 166.6 | +128.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,595.4 | +723.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 205.0 | +653.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mitchell safer?
Mitchell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mitchell has 262.7. Mitchell 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 Mitchell, SD
Mitchell, South Dakota, a city of around 15,000 residents, is home to the world-famous Corn Palace, an annual marvel of agricultural art. Located in Davison County, it serves as a regional hub for agriculture and education, with Dakota Wesleyan University. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 15,607, Mitchell has a total crime rate of 2,229.8 per 100,000 residents.