Is Chicago or Sanford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sanford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 23/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 30% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sanford has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 39.4x 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
Sanford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sanford, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sanford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,795.2 | +1,217.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 542.6 | -2.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.0 | +11.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.4 | +18.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 92.7 | +242.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 403.6 | -275.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,252.6 | +1,219.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 261.6 | +33.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,790.7 | +528.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 200.3 | +658.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sanford safer?
Sanford is safer with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sanford has 542.6. 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 Sanford, FL
Sanford, "The Historic Waterfront Gateway," sits on the southern shore of Lake Monroe. Once a major celery producer, the city boasts a vibrant downtown and a diverse population of over 60,000 residents. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 66,900, Sanford has a total crime rate of 2,795.2 per 100,000 residents.