Is Chicago or South Salt Lake Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than South Salt Lake (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,641 for South Salt Lake — 40% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Salt Lake has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 101.8x 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
South Salt Lake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
South Salt Lake, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | South Salt Lake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,641.0 | -2,628.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 767.5 | -227.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.7 | +9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 158.1 | -99.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 150.4 | +184.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 451.2 | -322.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,873.5 | -2,401.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 620.9 | -326.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 4,666.4 | -2,347.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 586.2 | +272.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or South Salt Lake safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,641 for South Salt Lake — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while South Salt Lake has 767.5. 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 South Salt Lake, UT
South Salt Lake, nestled between I-15 and I-80, is a diverse urban area with a significant Hispanic population. Once a farming community, it retains a blue-collar character with many industrial businesses. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 25,930, South Salt Lake has a total crime rate of 6,641.0 per 100,000 residents.