Is Chicago or Riverdale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Riverdale is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,567 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 11% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chicago has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 263.6x 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
Riverdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Riverdale, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Riverdale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,566.8 | +445.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 709.4 | -169.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 69.9 | -52.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 79.9 | -21.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 129.9 | +205.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 429.6 | -301.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,857.4 | +615.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 479.6 | -184.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,468.7 | +850.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 909.2 | -50.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Riverdale safer?
Riverdale is safer with a total crime rate of 3,567 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Riverdale has 709.4. 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 Riverdale, IL
Riverdale, Illinois, a southern Cook County village established in the 1890s, is known for its historic residential architecture and proximity to the Cal-Sag Channel. Its population is predominantly African American. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 10,009, Riverdale has a total crime rate of 3,566.8 per 100,000 residents.