Is Chicago or Oklahoma City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oklahoma City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,572 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 11% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Oklahoma City has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 3.7x 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
Oklahoma City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Oklahoma City, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Oklahoma City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,571.6 | +440.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 677.8 | -137.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.3 | +7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 72.9 | -14.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 99.7 | +235.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 493.3 | -364.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,893.8 | +578.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 582.6 | -287.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,951.0 | +367.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 360.2 | +498.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Oklahoma City safer?
Oklahoma City is safer with a total crime rate of 3,572 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 Oklahoma City has 677.8. Chicago 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 Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City, the state capital, boasts a rich Western heritage evident in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Situated in central Oklahoma, it's a growing metropolis with a diverse population. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 709,376, Oklahoma City has a total crime rate of 3,571.6 per 100,000 residents.