Is Chicago or Moscow Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Moscow is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 73/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,034 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 74% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Moscow has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 98.9x 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
Moscow — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Moscow, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Moscow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,034.3 | +2,977.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 18.7 | +521.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 18.7 | +109.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,015.6 | +2,456.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 108.7 | +186.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 884.4 | +1,434.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 22.5 | +836.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Moscow safer?
Moscow is safer with a total crime rate of 1,034 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Moscow has 18.7. Moscow 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 Moscow, ID
Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho Vandals, is a college town nestled in the scenic Palouse region. This close-knit community of around 25,000 residents thrives on its academic and agricultural roots. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 26,684, Moscow has a total crime rate of 1,034.3 per 100,000 residents.