Is Chicago or Ocala Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ocala is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,561 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 robbery, where Ocala has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 37.7x 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
Ocala — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Ocala, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Ocala | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,560.5 | +451.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 511.1 | +28.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.1 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 48.5 | +10.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 58.5 | +276.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 385.5 | -257.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,049.4 | +423.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 274.1 | +20.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,742.5 | -423.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 32.8 | +826.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ocala safer?
Ocala is safer with a total crime rate of 3,561 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 Ocala has 511.1. Ocala 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 Ocala, FL
Ocala, nestled in Marion County, is famed for its thoroughbred horse farms. This Central Florida city, with a significant retiree population, is also home to the historic Fort King National Historic Landmark. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 70,046, Ocala has a total crime rate of 3,560.5 per 100,000 residents.