Is Chicago or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 22% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 52% lower rate.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,125.4 | +886.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 800.0 | -260.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 8.4 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 64.3 | -5.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 181.6 | +153.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 545.3 | -417.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,325.3 | +1,147.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 317.2 | -22.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,582.1 | +736.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 426.0 | +432.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.