Is Chicago or Seatac Seatac Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Seatac Seatac (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,357 for Seatac Seatac — 8% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Seatac Seatac has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 82.6x 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
Seatac Seatac — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Seatac Seatac, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Seatac Seatac | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,356.8 | -344.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 413.2 | +126.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.3 | +11.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 81.4 | -22.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 128.3 | +207.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 194.1 | -65.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,943.7 | -471.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 529.0 | -234.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,065.7 | +253.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,349.0 | -490.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Seatac Seatac safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,357 for Seatac Seatac — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Seatac Seatac has 413.2. Seatac Seatac 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 Seatac Seatac, WA
SeaTac, Washington, named for its proximity to Seattle and Tacoma, is home to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This diverse city in King County has a significant immigrant population. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 31,950, Seatac Seatac has a total crime rate of 4,356.8 per 100,000 residents.