Is Chicago or Rapid City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Rapid City (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,516 for Rapid City — 11% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Rapid City has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 32.6x 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
Rapid City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Rapid City, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,516.0 | -503.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 723.8 | -184.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.2 | +11.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 135.9 | -77.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 103.8 | +231.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 473.1 | -344.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,792.1 | -319.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 427.4 | -132.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,986.8 | -668.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 378.0 | +480.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Rapid City safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,516 for Rapid City — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Rapid City has 723.8. 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 Rapid City, SD
Rapid City, nestled at the foot of the Black Hills, is a gateway to Mount Rushmore. This city in western South Dakota has a population of over 78,000, making it the second largest in the state. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 80,957, Rapid City has a total crime rate of 4,516.0 per 100,000 residents.