Is Chicago or Sterling Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sterling is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 51/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,653 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 59% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sterling has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 183.2x 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
Sterling — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sterling, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sterling | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,652.8 | +2,359.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 319.4 | +220.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 20.8 | -3.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 97.2 | -38.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 20.8 | +314.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 180.6 | -52.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,333.3 | +2,139.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 333.3 | -38.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 840.3 | +1,478.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 159.7 | +699.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sterling safer?
Sterling is safer with a total crime rate of 1,653 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sterling has 319.4. Sterling 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, IL
Sterling, Illinois, a city in Whiteside County along the Rock River, was once known as the "Hardware Capital of the World." This industrial heritage is reflected in its diverse population of around 15,000 residents. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 14,400, Sterling has a total crime rate of 1,652.8 per 100,000 residents.