Is Chicago or Shoreline Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shoreline is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,744 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 32% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shoreline has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 42.4x 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
Shoreline — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Shoreline, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Shoreline | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,744.5 | +1,267.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 212.1 | +327.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.6 | +15.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 38.6 | +20.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 90.0 | +245.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 82.0 | +46.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,532.4 | +940.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 486.9 | -192.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,513.6 | +805.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 531.9 | +327.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Shoreline safer?
Shoreline is safer with a total crime rate of 2,744 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Shoreline has 212.1. Shoreline 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 Shoreline, WA
Shoreline, Washington, a suburban city north of Seattle, was once home to the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Its population, approaching 60,000, reflects a diverse blend of families and commuters. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 62,234, Shoreline has a total crime rate of 2,744.5 per 100,000 residents.