Is Chicago or Shelby Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shelby Township is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 85/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 706 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 82% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shelby Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 33.0x 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
Shelby Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Shelby Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Shelby Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 706.4 | +3,305.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 163.8 | +376.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 35.0 | +23.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 6.3 | +329.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 118.8 | +9.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 542.6 | +2,929.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 45.0 | +249.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 411.3 | +1,907.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 86.3 | +772.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Shelby Township safer?
Shelby Township is safer with a total crime rate of 706 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Shelby Township has 163.8. Shelby Township 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 Shelby Township, MI
Shelby Township, Michigan, a sprawling community north of Detroit, developed from a primarily agricultural area along the Clinton River. Its population has grown significantly, with many residents commuting to neighboring cities for work. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 79,985, Shelby Township has a total crime rate of 706.4 per 100,000 residents.