Is Chicago or Odessa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Odessa is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 36/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,163 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 46% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Odessa has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 22.7x 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
Odessa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Odessa, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Odessa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,163.1 | +1,849.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 320.6 | +219.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.5 | +14.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 53.4 | +5.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 38.8 | +296.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 220.6 | -92.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,842.5 | +1,629.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 219.8 | +75.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,368.5 | +950.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 254.2 | +604.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Odessa safer?
Odessa is safer with a total crime rate of 2,163 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Odessa has 320.6. Odessa 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 Odessa, TX
Odessa, named after the Ukrainian city, is a West Texas hub in the Permian Basin. This arid region is a major center for oil and gas production, drawing a diverse, largely working-class population. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 116,039, Odessa has a total crime rate of 2,163.1 per 100,000 residents.