Is Chicago or Oak Harbor Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oak Harbor is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 75/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 991 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 75% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Oak Harbor has a 99% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 110.8x 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
Oak Harbor — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Oak Harbor, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Oak Harbor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 990.9 | +3,021.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 113.4 | +426.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.2 | +13.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 33.6 | +25.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 4.2 | +331.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 71.4 | +56.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 877.5 | +2,594.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 113.4 | +181.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 629.8 | +1,689.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 134.4 | +724.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Oak Harbor safer?
Oak Harbor is safer with a total crime rate of 991 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Oak Harbor has 113.4. Oak Harbor 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 Oak Harbor, WA
Oak Harbor, on Whidbey Island, is home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, a significant employer. Its population of around 25,000 enjoys proximity to Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 23,817, Oak Harbor has a total crime rate of 990.9 per 100,000 residents.