Is Chicago or Palos Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palos Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 77/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 925 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 77% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Palos Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 232.4x 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
Palos Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Palos Heights, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Palos Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 924.9 | +3,087.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 61.7 | +478.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 35.2 | +23.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 17.6 | +317.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 8.8 | +119.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 863.2 | +2,609.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 88.1 | +206.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 766.3 | +1,552.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 8.8 | +850.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Palos Heights safer?
Palos Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 925 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Palos Heights has 61.7. Palos Heights 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 Palos Heights, IL
Palos Heights, a southwestern Chicago suburb, is home to Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. This Cook County community, incorporated in 1959, features a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 11,353, Palos Heights has a total crime rate of 924.9 per 100,000 residents.