Moving from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago, IL or Rochester, MN Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Rochester, MN is safer than Chicago, IL (Safety Score 56/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago, IL — 62% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Rochester has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 21.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Rochester, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,522.5 | +2,489.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 154.0 | +385.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.1 | +13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 26.1 | +32.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 26.1 | +309.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 97.8 | +30.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,368.5 | +2,103.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 173.6 | +121.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,103.6 | +1,215.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 91.3 | +767.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Rochester safer?
Rochester, MN is safer with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago, IL — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Rochester has 154.0. 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, MN
Rochester, Minnesota, home to the Mayo Clinic, is a city in southeastern Minnesota. Its population of over 120,000 makes it the state's third-largest city. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 122,694, Rochester has a total crime rate of 1,522.5 per 100,000 residents.