Is Chicago or Panama City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Panama City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 22/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,838 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 29% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Panama City has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 72.0x 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
Panama City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Panama City, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Panama City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,838.0 | +1,174.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 649.5 | -109.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 8.2 | +9.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 57.3 | +1.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 24.6 | +310.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 559.4 | -431.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,188.5 | +1,283.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 401.1 | -106.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,681.0 | +637.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 106.4 | +752.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Panama City safer?
Panama City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,838 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Panama City has 649.5. Chicago 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 Panama City, FL
Panama City, Florida, a popular tourist destination, sits on St. Andrew Bay, connecting to the Gulf of Mexico. Its economy heavily relies on tourism, fishing, and Tyndall Air Force Base, a significant local employer. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 36,646, Panama City has a total crime rate of 2,838.0 per 100,000 residents.