Is Chicago or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Rochester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,872 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 4% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Rochester has a 54% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 12.8x 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, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,871.6 | +140.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 582.3 | -42.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 13.1 | +4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.4 | +40.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 153.3 | +182.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 397.4 | -269.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,289.3 | +183.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 404.7 | -109.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,795.8 | +523.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,088.8 | -230.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 3,872 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Rochester has 582.3. 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 Rochester, NY
Rochester, NY, a city along Lake Ontario's southern shore, was once the "Flour City" due to its milling industry on the Genesee River. It's home to a diverse population of just over 200,000 residents. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 206,093, Rochester has a total crime rate of 3,871.6 per 100,000 residents.