Is Chicago or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 95/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 401 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 90% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rochester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 207.7x 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
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Rochester, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 401.4 | +3,610.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 23.6 | +516.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 23.6 | +104.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 377.8 | +3,094.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 7.9 | +286.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 330.6 | +1,988.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 39.4 | +819.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 401 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Rochester has 23.6. Rochester 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 Rochester, MI
Rochester, Michigan, founded along the Clinton River, is a suburban community in Oakland County. This affluent area is known for its vibrant downtown and was home to Meadow Brook Hall, a historic estate. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 12,706, Rochester has a total crime rate of 401.4 per 100,000 residents.