Is Chicago or Southfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Southfield is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,913 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 27% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Southfield has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 35.0x 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
Southfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Southfield, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Southfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,913.0 | +1,099.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 493.0 | +46.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.3 | +16.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 59.6 | -0.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 39.8 | +295.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 392.3 | -264.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,420.0 | +1,052.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 405.6 | -110.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,467.1 | +851.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 547.4 | +311.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Southfield safer?
Southfield is safer with a total crime rate of 2,913 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Southfield has 493.0. Southfield 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 Southfield, MI
Southfield, a Detroit suburb, is home to the landmark "Golden Triangle" of office buildings. Its diverse population has grown significantly since the mid-20th century, with many residents commuting to neighboring communities. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 75,454, Southfield has a total crime rate of 2,913.0 per 100,000 residents.