Is Chicago or Scottsdale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scottsdale is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 40/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 49% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scottsdale has a 98% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 10.8x 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
Scottsdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Scottsdale, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Scottsdale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,028.7 | +1,983.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 153.3 | +386.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.4 | +17.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 33.8 | +24.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 22.0 | +313.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 96.2 | +32.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,875.3 | +1,597.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 182.3 | +112.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,534.8 | +783.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 158.2 | +700.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Scottsdale safer?
Scottsdale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Scottsdale has 153.3. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, Arizona, a vibrant Sonoran Desert city, is known for its luxurious resorts and the historic influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Located east of Phoenix, it's a popular destination for affluent residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation and upscale amenities. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 245,237, Scottsdale has a total crime rate of 2,028.7 per 100,000 residents.