Is Chicago or Renton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Renton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 9% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Renton has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 25.4x 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
Renton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Renton, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Renton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,652.6 | +359.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 339.2 | +200.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.8 | +12.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 45.3 | +13.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 91.6 | +243.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 197.6 | -69.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,313.4 | +159.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 435.6 | -140.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,739.6 | +579.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,138.2 | -279.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Renton safer?
Renton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Renton has 339.2. Renton 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 Renton, WA
Renton, a Puget Sound city, was once home to a Boeing plant and now serves as a major commercial hub. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Washington, its diverse population reflects a blend of urban development and natural beauty. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 103,762, Renton has a total crime rate of 3,652.6 per 100,000 residents.