Is Chicago or Poplar Bluff Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Poplar Bluff is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 99/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 248 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 94% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Poplar Bluff has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 163.8x 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
Poplar Bluff — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Poplar Bluff, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Poplar Bluff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 248.3 | +3,763.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 37.3 | +502.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.4 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 12.4 | +46.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 12.4 | +115.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 211.1 | +3,261.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 31.0 | +263.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 149.0 | +2,169.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 31.0 | +827.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Poplar Bluff safer?
Poplar Bluff is safer with a total crime rate of 248 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 94% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Poplar Bluff has 37.3. Poplar Bluff 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 Poplar Bluff, MO
Nestled in the Ozark Foothills, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was once a major lumber producer, shipping timber via the Black River. Today, it serves as a regional hub for southeast Missouri, with a population around 17,000. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 16,108, Poplar Bluff has a total crime rate of 248.3 per 100,000 residents.