Is Chicago or Rockville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rockville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 50/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,673 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 58% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rockville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 39.2x 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
Rockville — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Rockville, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Rockville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,673.5 | +2,338.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 150.1 | +389.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 16.4 | +42.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 44.6 | +290.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 89.2 | +39.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,523.4 | +1,949.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 191.7 | +103.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,144.4 | +1,174.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 187.3 | +671.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Rockville safer?
Rockville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,673 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Rockville has 150.1. Rockville 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 Rockville, MD
Rockville, the county seat of Montgomery County, is a diverse suburban city. It's home to the Johns Hopkins University's Rockville Campus and is a major biotechnology hub. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 67,285, Rockville has a total crime rate of 1,673.5 per 100,000 residents.