Is Chicago or Palm Bay Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palm Bay is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 61/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,365 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 66% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Palm Bay has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 18.7x 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
Palm Bay — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Palm Bay, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Palm Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,365.3 | +2,646.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 347.9 | +192.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.8 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 47.5 | +11.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 51.7 | +283.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 240.2 | -111.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,017.5 | +2,454.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 229.6 | +65.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 724.8 | +1,593.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 63.1 | +795.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Palm Bay safer?
Palm Bay is safer with a total crime rate of 1,365 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Palm Bay has 347.9. Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay, FL
Palm Bay, a sprawling city on Florida's Space Coast, began as Tillman and grew significantly after being marketed by General Development Corporation. Its diverse population, largely residential, stretches across a low-lying, wooded landscape along the Indian River Lagoon. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 141,137, Palm Bay has a total crime rate of 1,365.3 per 100,000 residents.