Is Chicago or Myrtle Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Myrtle Beach (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — 41% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 64.3x 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
Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Myrtle Beach, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Myrtle Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,767.1 | -2,754.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,111.6 | -571.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.2 | +5.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 185.3 | -126.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 173.1 | +162.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 741.1 | -612.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,655.5 | -2,183.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 446.1 | -151.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 4,814.5 | -2,495.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 394.9 | +464.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Myrtle Beach safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Myrtle Beach has 1,111.6. 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, a popular East Coast vacation destination, is known for its "Grand Strand" of beaches and numerous golf courses. This coastal city in Horry County experiences a significant influx of tourists, especially during the summer months. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 41,022, Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 6,767.1 per 100,000 residents.