Is Chicago or Salina Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salina is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 20/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,970 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 26% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salina has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 58.1x 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
Salina — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Salina, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Salina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,970.5 | +1,041.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 495.1 | +44.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 88.0 | -29.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 81.4 | +253.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 323.5 | -195.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,475.4 | +997.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 323.5 | -28.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,993.5 | +325.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 158.4 | +700.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Salina safer?
Salina is safer with a total crime rate of 2,970 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Salina has 495.1. Salina 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 Salina, KS
Salina, a central Kansas hub, boasts a rich agricultural heritage and serves as a regional center for commerce and healthcare. Located at the confluence of the Smoky Hill and Saline Rivers, it is the county seat of Saline County. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 45,447, Salina has a total crime rate of 2,970.5 per 100,000 residents.