Is Chicago or Saco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saco is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 68/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 71% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Saco has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 124.8x 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
Saco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Saco, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Saco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,158.7 | +2,853.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 80.4 | +459.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 37.8 | +20.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 42.6 | +85.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,078.3 | +2,394.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 85.1 | +209.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 893.9 | +1,424.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 99.3 | +759.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Saco safer?
Saco is safer with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Saco has 80.4. Saco 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 Saco, ME
Saco, Maine, a small city in York County, sits on the Saco River across from Biddeford. Known for its historic textile mills, the area experiences a significant tourist influx during summer months, drawn to attractions like Funtown Splashtown USA. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 21,144, Saco has a total crime rate of 1,158.7 per 100,000 residents.