Is Chicago or Mobile Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mobile is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 30/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 40% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mobile has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 11.1x 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
Mobile — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mobile, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mobile | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,426.5 | +1,585.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 752.0 | -212.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 16.5 | +1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 26.2 | +32.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 52.7 | +282.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 656.7 | -528.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,674.5 | +1,797.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 313.4 | -18.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,188.6 | +1,130.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 172.5 | +686.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mobile safer?
Mobile is safer with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mobile has 752.0. 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 Mobile, AL
Mobile, Alabama, a port city on Mobile Bay, boasts a rich Mardi Gras tradition predating New Orleans. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting its deep Southern roots. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 237,092, Mobile has a total crime rate of 2,426.5 per 100,000 residents.