Is Chicago or Petal Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Petal is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 92/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 522 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 87% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Petal has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 229.4x 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
Petal — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Petal, MS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Petal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 521.5 | +3,490.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 130.4 | +409.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 8.7 | +8.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 52.2 | +6.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 69.5 | +58.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 391.1 | +3,081.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 147.8 | +147.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 208.6 | +2,110.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 34.8 | +824.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Petal safer?
Petal is safer with a total crime rate of 522 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Petal has 130.4. Petal 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 Petal, MS
Petal, Mississippi, a city in Forrest County, was incorporated in 1960. Situated along the Leaf River, it is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a population of over 11,000 residents. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 11,505, Petal has a total crime rate of 521.5 per 100,000 residents.