Is Chicago or Muskegon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Muskegon is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 70/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,095 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 73% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Muskegon has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 71.0x 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
Muskegon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Muskegon, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Muskegon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,094.9 | +2,917.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 255.6 | +284.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.4 | +12.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 24.2 | +34.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 21.5 | +313.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 204.4 | -76.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 839.3 | +2,633.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 142.6 | +152.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 527.3 | +1,791.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 169.5 | +689.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Muskegon safer?
Muskegon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,095 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Muskegon has 255.6. Muskegon 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 Muskegon, MI
Muskegon, a port city on Lake Michigan, once a major lumbering center, boasts a diverse population of around 38,000 residents. Its downtown revitalization efforts include the popular Muskegon Farmers Market. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 37,174, Muskegon has a total crime rate of 1,094.9 per 100,000 residents.