Is Chicago or Mount Vernon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mount Vernon is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,966 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 51% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mount Vernon has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 74.9x 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
Mount Vernon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mount Vernon, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mount Vernon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,966.3 | +2,046.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 190.1 | +349.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.8 | +14.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 11.4 | +47.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 51.1 | +284.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 124.8 | +3.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,776.2 | +1,696.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 261.0 | +33.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,350.6 | +968.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 164.6 | +694.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mount Vernon safer?
Mount Vernon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,966 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mount Vernon has 190.1. Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon, WA
Mount Vernon, Washington, named after George Washington's estate, sits along the Skagit River in the fertile Skagit Valley. This city of over 35,000 residents is known for its annual Tulip Festival, attracting visitors to its vibrant fields each spring. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 35,244, Mount Vernon has a total crime rate of 1,966.3 per 100,000 residents.