Moving from Chicago, IL to Sterling Heights, MI?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago or Sterling Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Sterling Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 68% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sterling Heights has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 19.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sterling Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sterling Heights, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,273.1 | +2,739.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 230.7 | +309.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.8 | +16.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 30.8 | +28.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 15.0 | +320.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 182.6 | -54.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,042.4 | +2,430.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 76.7 | +218.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 789.1 | +1,529.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 176.6 | +682.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to Sterling Heights, MI?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sterling Heights safer?
Sterling Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sterling Heights has 230.7. Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights, Michigan, a Detroit suburb, is the second-largest city in Macomb County. Once a farming community known for its rhubarb, it now boasts a diverse population exceeding 130,000 residents. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 133,058, Sterling Heights has a total crime rate of 1,273.1 per 100,000 residents.