Is Chicago or South Elgin Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Elgin is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 79/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 856 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Elgin has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 108.1x 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
South Elgin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
South Elgin, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | South Elgin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 855.9 | +3,156.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 188.4 | +351.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 53.2 | +5.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.2 | +327.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 127.0 | +1.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 667.5 | +2,804.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 90.1 | +204.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 495.5 | +1,823.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 81.9 | +777.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or South Elgin safer?
South Elgin is safer with a total crime rate of 856 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while South Elgin has 188.4. South Elgin 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 South Elgin, IL
South Elgin, a village along the Fox River in Kane County, was once home to the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad's main shops. Its population of over 23,000 residents enjoys a mix of suburban development and natural areas. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 24,420, South Elgin has a total crime rate of 855.9 per 100,000 residents.