Is Chicago or Southgate Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Southgate is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 29/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,467 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 39% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Southgate has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 91.9x 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
Southgate — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Southgate, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Southgate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,466.7 | +1,545.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 449.5 | +90.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 31.4 | +27.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 31.4 | +303.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 383.3 | -254.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,017.3 | +1,455.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 181.2 | +113.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,543.5 | +775.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 292.7 | +566.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Southgate safer?
Southgate is safer with a total crime rate of 2,467 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Southgate has 449.5. Southgate 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 Southgate, MI
Southgate, Michigan, a Downriver community, was incorporated from parts of Ecorse and Taylor townships. It is home to a significant portion of Wayne County's population, with a diverse mix of residential and commercial areas. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 28,702, Southgate has a total crime rate of 2,466.7 per 100,000 residents.