Is Chicago or South Miami Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Miami is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 26/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,610 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 35% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where South Miami has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 218.0x 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
South Miami — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
South Miami, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | South Miami | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,610.3 | +1,402.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 446.1 | +93.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 16.5 | +0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 16.5 | +42.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 90.9 | +244.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 322.2 | -193.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,164.2 | +1,308.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 437.8 | -143.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,668.6 | +650.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 57.8 | +801.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or South Miami safer?
South Miami is safer with a total crime rate of 2,610 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while South Miami has 446.1. South Miami 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 Miami, FL
South Miami, a city incorporated in 1927, is a suburban residential area situated just southwest of downtown Miami. It's home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents being young professionals and families. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 12,106, South Miami has a total crime rate of 2,610.3 per 100,000 residents.