Is Chicago or St. Clair Shores Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, St. Clair Shores is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 65/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,251 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 69% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where St. Clair Shores has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 46.2x 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
St. Clair Shores — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
St. Clair Shores, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | St. Clair Shores | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,250.9 | +2,761.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 185.5 | +354.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.3 | +39.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 21.0 | +314.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 145.2 | -16.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,065.5 | +2,406.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 349.9 | -55.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 559.9 | +1,758.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 155.7 | +703.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or St. Clair Shores safer?
St. Clair Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 1,251 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while St. Clair Shores has 185.5. St. Clair Shores 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 St. Clair Shores, MI
St. Clair Shores, Michigan, known for its "Nautical Mile" of boat dealerships and marinas, is a suburban community situated along Lake St. Clair. This Macomb County city, with a population around 60,000, developed significantly after World War II. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 57,157, St. Clair Shores has a total crime rate of 1,250.9 per 100,000 residents.