Is Chicago or St. Louis City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than St. Louis City (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 7,076 for St. Louis City — 43% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chicago has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 9.5x 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. Louis City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
St. Louis City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | St. Louis City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 7,075.9 | -3,063.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,368.9 | -829.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 54.1 | -36.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 58.1 | +0.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 249.6 | +85.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 1,005.4 | -877.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,706.9 | -2,234.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 819.7 | -524.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,412.3 | -1,093.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,475.0 | -616.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or St. Louis City safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 7,076 for St. Louis City — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while St. Louis City has 1,368.9. 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 St. Louis City, MO
St. Louis City, Missouri, a major port on the Mississippi River, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch. With a population exceeding 300,000, it's a vibrant Midwestern hub with a rich German heritage. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 277,294, St. Louis City has a total crime rate of 7,075.9 per 100,000 residents.