Is Chicago or Sioux Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sioux Falls is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 14/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,442 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 14% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sioux Falls has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 12.5x 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 Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sioux Falls, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sioux Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,442.0 | +570.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 526.7 | +13.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.6 | +10.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 28.0 | +30.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 47.4 | +287.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 444.7 | -316.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,915.2 | +557.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 303.0 | -8.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,174.7 | +144.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 437.6 | +421.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sioux Falls safer?
Sioux Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 3,442 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sioux Falls has 526.7. Sioux Falls 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 Falls, SD
Sioux Falls, named for the Big Sioux River and its waterfalls, is South Dakota's largest city. It's a regional hub for healthcare and finance, with a growing population of over 200,000 residents. The city's economy has historically been tied to agriculture. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 210,926, Sioux Falls has a total crime rate of 3,442.0 per 100,000 residents.