Is Chicago or Raleigh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Raleigh is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 18% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Raleigh has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 5.4x 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
Raleigh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Raleigh, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,308.0 | +704.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 488.9 | +51.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.1 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 36.1 | +22.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 86.7 | +248.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 361.0 | -232.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,819.2 | +653.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 279.1 | +15.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,058.9 | +259.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 481.3 | +377.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Raleigh safer?
Raleigh is safer with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Raleigh has 488.9. Raleigh 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 Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital, anchors the Research Triangle Park technology hub. Founded in 1792, it's known as the "City of Oaks" for its tree-lined streets and boasts a population exceeding 470,000. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 488,085, Raleigh has a total crime rate of 3,308.0 per 100,000 residents.