Is Chicago or Ozark Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ozark is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 83/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 764 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 81% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ozark has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 112.6x 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
Ozark — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Ozark, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Ozark | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 763.9 | +3,248.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 81.1 | +458.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 38.4 | +20.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 42.7 | +85.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 682.8 | +2,789.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 38.4 | +256.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 580.4 | +1,738.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 64.0 | +794.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ozark safer?
Ozark is safer with a total crime rate of 764 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Ozark has 81.1. Ozark 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 Ozark, MO
Ozark, Missouri, a city of around 20,000, sits along the Finley River in Christian County. Known for its proximity to Springfield and the Ozark Mountains, it once served as a trading post. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 23,432, Ozark has a total crime rate of 763.9 per 100,000 residents.