Is Chicago or Onalaska Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Onalaska is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 32/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,329 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 42% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Onalaska has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 138.4x 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
Onalaska — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Onalaska, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Onalaska | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,328.5 | +1,683.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 36.7 | +503.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 21.0 | +37.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 15.7 | +112.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,291.8 | +1,180.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 83.9 | +210.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,186.9 | +131.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 21.0 | +837.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Onalaska safer?
Onalaska is safer with a total crime rate of 2,329 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Onalaska has 36.7. Onalaska 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 Onalaska, WI
Onalaska, Wisconsin, nestled along the Black River, is a La Crosse suburb known as "The Sunfish Capital of the World." Its population of over 19,000 residents enjoys a mix of residential areas and commercial development. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 19,068, Onalaska has a total crime rate of 2,328.5 per 100,000 residents.