Is Chicago or Summerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Summerville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 40/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 50% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Summerville has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 50.6x 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
Summerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Summerville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Summerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,990.5 | +2,021.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 222.4 | +317.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.8 | +13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 17.3 | +41.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 21.1 | +314.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 180.3 | -51.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,768.0 | +1,704.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 97.8 | +197.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,545.6 | +773.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 124.7 | +734.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Summerville safer?
Summerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Summerville has 222.4. Summerville 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 Summerville, SC
Summerville, the "Flowertown in the World," is a historic town in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Known for its picturesque downtown and abundant azaleas, it lies approximately 25 miles northwest of Charleston, drawing residents seeking a suburban lifestyle. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 52,148, Summerville has a total crime rate of 1,990.5 per 100,000 residents.