Is Chicago or Prospect Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Prospect Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 83/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 747 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 81% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Prospect Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 174.5x 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
Prospect Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Prospect Heights, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Prospect Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 747.3 | +3,265.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 158.7 | +381.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.8 | +38.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 13.2 | +322.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 125.6 | +2.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 588.6 | +2,883.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 125.6 | +169.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 376.9 | +1,941.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 86.0 | +772.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Prospect Heights safer?
Prospect Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 747 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Prospect Heights has 158.7. Prospect 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 Prospect Heights, IL
Prospect Heights, Illinois, a small city in Cook County, is home to Chicago Executive Airport, a significant regional general aviation hub. Its tree-lined streets and residential character reflect a suburban community that grew around its convenient transportation access. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 15,122, Prospect Heights has a total crime rate of 747.3 per 100,000 residents.