Is Chicago or Sheboygan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sheboygan is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 49/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,715 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 57% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sheboygan has a 98% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 53.2x 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
Sheboygan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sheboygan, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sheboygan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,715.4 | +2,296.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 427.3 | +112.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.0 | +13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 102.8 | -44.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 6.1 | +329.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 314.5 | -186.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,288.1 | +2,184.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 88.7 | +206.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,157.0 | +1,161.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 42.3 | +816.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sheboygan safer?
Sheboygan is safer with a total crime rate of 1,715 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sheboygan has 427.3. Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan, WI
Nestled on Lake Michigan's western shore, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is a city with a rich German heritage, once dubbed "Bratwurst Capital of the World." Its population hovers around 49,000, making it a mid-sized community in the state. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 49,610, Sheboygan has a total crime rate of 1,715.4 per 100,000 residents.