Is Chicago or North Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 8/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 16% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where North Charleston has a 54% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 21.4x 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
North Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
North Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | North Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,767.2 | -755.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 811.3 | -271.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 17.0 | +0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 60.7 | -1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 153.0 | +182.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 579.7 | -451.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,955.9 | -483.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 323.9 | -29.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,105.8 | -787.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 526.3 | +332.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or North Charleston safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while North Charleston has 811.3. 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 North Charleston, SC
North Charleston, a city with a rich naval history, lies in the heart of the Lowcountry. It's home to a diverse population exceeding 115,000 residents, spanning both Charleston and Dorchester counties. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 123,511, North Charleston has a total crime rate of 4,767.2 per 100,000 residents.