Is Chicago or Sault Ste. Marie Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sault Ste. Marie is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 56/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,510 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 62% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sault Ste. Marie has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 198.2x 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
Sault Ste. Marie — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sault Ste. Marie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,510.1 | +2,502.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 405.7 | +134.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 150.3 | -91.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.5 | +327.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 247.9 | -119.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,104.4 | +2,368.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 67.6 | +227.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 991.7 | +1,327.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 45.1 | +813.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sault Ste. Marie safer?
Sault Ste. Marie is safer with a total crime rate of 1,510 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sault Ste. Marie has 405.7. Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the oldest city in Michigan, sits on the St. Marys River across from its Canadian twin. Home to the Soo Locks, a major shipping thoroughfare, its population is around 13,000. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 13,310, Sault Ste. Marie has a total crime rate of 1,510.1 per 100,000 residents.