Is Chicago or Sioux City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sioux City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,882 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 3% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sioux City has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 30.8x 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
Sioux City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sioux City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sioux City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,881.7 | +130.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 557.7 | -17.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.5 | +14.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 84.0 | -25.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 95.7 | +239.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 372.2 | -243.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,324.0 | +148.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 474.9 | -180.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,555.1 | -236.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 294.0 | +564.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sioux City safer?
Sioux City is safer with a total crime rate of 3,882 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sioux City has 557.7. Chicago 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 Sioux City, IA
Sioux City, Iowa, sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers, a historic hub of the meatpacking industry. It's the largest city in western Iowa, with a diverse population reflecting its industrial past. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 85,711, Sioux City has a total crime rate of 3,881.7 per 100,000 residents.