Is Chicago or Salisbury Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Salisbury is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,960 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 1% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salisbury has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 79.5x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salisbury — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Salisbury, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Salisbury | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,960.3 | +52.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 954.7 | -414.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 36.1 | +22.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 150.6 | +184.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 768.0 | -639.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,005.6 | +466.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 548.1 | -253.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,267.7 | +51.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 189.7 | +669.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Salisbury safer?
Salisbury is safer with a total crime rate of 3,960 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Salisbury has 954.7. 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 Salisbury, MD
Salisbury, the "Crossroads of the Delmarva," is a historic city on the Wicomico River. It serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare, with a significant Black population. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 33,205, Salisbury has a total crime rate of 3,960.3 per 100,000 residents.