Is Chicago or Suffolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Suffolk is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 42/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Suffolk has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 25.5x 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
Suffolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Suffolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Suffolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,941.9 | +2,070.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 371.0 | +168.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.6 | +6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 30.9 | +27.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 40.6 | +294.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 288.9 | -160.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,570.9 | +1,901.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 87.0 | +207.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,361.3 | +957.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 122.7 | +736.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Suffolk safer?
Suffolk is safer with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Suffolk has 371.0. Suffolk 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 Suffolk, VA
Suffolk, Virginia, a city rich in peanut production history, stretches across a vast land area, making it one of the largest cities by landmass in the Commonwealth. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban communities. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 103,506, Suffolk has a total crime rate of 1,941.9 per 100,000 residents.