Is Chicago or Oak Lawn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oak Lawn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,907 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Oak Lawn has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 48.0x 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
Oak Lawn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Oak Lawn, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Oak Lawn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,907.1 | +2,105.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 180.2 | +359.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.6 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 36.4 | +22.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 43.7 | +291.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 96.5 | +31.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,726.9 | +1,745.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 343.9 | -49.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,155.5 | +1,163.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 227.5 | +631.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Oak Lawn safer?
Oak Lawn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,907 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Oak Lawn has 180.2. Oak Lawn 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 Lawn, IL
Oak Lawn, a southwestern suburb of Chicago, is known for its annual fall parade. This village in Cook County is largely residential, with a diverse population. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 54,953, Oak Lawn has a total crime rate of 1,907.1 per 100,000 residents.