Is Chicago or North Myrtle Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Myrtle Beach is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,583 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 11% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Myrtle Beach has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 126.9x 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
North Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | North Myrtle Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,583.5 | +428.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 360.8 | +179.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 57.7 | +1.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 14.4 | +320.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 288.6 | -160.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,222.7 | +249.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 216.5 | +78.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,770.6 | -451.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 235.7 | +623.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or North Myrtle Beach safer?
North Myrtle Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 3,583 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while North Myrtle Beach has 360.8. North Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach, SC, a popular tourist destination, is home to the Carolina Shag dance. This coastal city, part of Horry County, boasts a significant seasonal population increase. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 20,790, North Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 3,583.5 per 100,000 residents.