Is Chicago or Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salem is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 55/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,550 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Salem has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 102.0x 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
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Salem, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,550.3 | +2,461.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 38.7 | +501.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.7 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 15.5 | +43.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 15.5 | +112.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,511.6 | +1,960.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 81.2 | +213.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,279.7 | +1,039.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 150.8 | +708.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Salem safer?
Salem is safer with a total crime rate of 1,550 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Salem has 38.7. Salem 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 Salem, VA
Salem, VA, nestled in the Roanoke Valley, is a city with roots tracing back to the 1800s as a railroad town. Home to Roanoke College, it boasts a population of around 25,000 residents. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 25,866, Salem has a total crime rate of 1,550.3 per 100,000 residents.