Is Chicago or Stow Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Stow is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 44/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,870 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 53% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Stow has a 99% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 78.1x 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
Stow — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Stow, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Stow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,870.3 | +2,141.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 115.4 | +424.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.9 | +11.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 41.4 | +17.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 3.0 | +332.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 65.1 | +63.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,754.9 | +1,717.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 71.0 | +223.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,654.3 | +664.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 29.6 | +829.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Stow safer?
Stow is safer with a total crime rate of 1,870 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Stow has 115.4. Stow 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 Stow, OH
Stow, once part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, is a suburban city in Summit County. It boasts a median age of around 40, reflecting its established family communities near major Akron thoroughfares. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 33,791, Stow has a total crime rate of 1,870.3 per 100,000 residents.