Is Chicago or Oskaloosa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oskaloosa is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 73/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,042 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 74% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oskaloosa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 231.1x 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
Oskaloosa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Oskaloosa, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Oskaloosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,042.1 | +2,970.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 140.1 | +399.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.8 | +50.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 131.4 | -3.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 902.0 | +2,570.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 218.9 | +75.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 639.3 | +1,679.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 43.8 | +815.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Oskaloosa safer?
Oskaloosa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,042 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Oskaloosa has 140.1. Oskaloosa 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 Oskaloosa, IA
Oskaloosa, Iowa, a city in Mahaska County, is home to William Penn University, founded by Quakers. Situated in south-central Iowa, its population was 11,559 as of 2020. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 11,419, Oskaloosa has a total crime rate of 1,042.1 per 100,000 residents.