Is Chicago or Sparks Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sparks is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 20/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,979 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 26% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sparks has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 23.8x 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
Sparks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sparks, NV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sparks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,979.1 | +1,033.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 395.3 | +144.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.5 | +13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 83.9 | -25.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 56.0 | +279.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 250.0 | -121.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,583.8 | +888.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 301.4 | -6.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,964.7 | +354.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 317.7 | +541.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sparks safer?
Sparks is safer with a total crime rate of 2,979 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sparks has 395.3. Sparks 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 Sparks, NV
Sparks, Nevada, a city east of Reno, was once known as "The Crossroads of the West" due to its railroad heritage. With a population exceeding 100,000, it's a significant part of the Truckee Meadows region. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 110,807, Sparks has a total crime rate of 2,979.1 per 100,000 residents.