Is Chicago or Shawnee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shawnee is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 39/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,050 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 Shawnee has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 37.6x 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
Shawnee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Shawnee, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Shawnee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,050.3 | +1,962.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 278.2 | +261.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 15.7 | +43.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 5.7 | +329.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 255.4 | -127.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,772.0 | +1,700.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 219.7 | +75.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,352.6 | +966.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 199.8 | +659.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Shawnee safer?
Shawnee is safer with a total crime rate of 2,050 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 Shawnee has 278.2. Shawnee 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 Shawnee, KS
Shawnee, Kansas, a western suburb of Kansas City, boasts a rich history, including its founding as a Shawnee Indian Mission in the 1830s. This family-friendly community in Johnson County has a median household income significantly above the national average. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 70,089, Shawnee has a total crime rate of 2,050.3 per 100,000 residents.