Is Chicago or Summit Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Summit is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 40/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,999 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 50% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Summit has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 252.4x 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
Summit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Summit, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Summit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,999.0 | +2,013.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 468.7 | +71.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 19.1 | -1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 95.7 | -36.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 133.9 | +201.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 220.0 | -91.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,530.4 | +1,942.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 258.3 | +36.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 985.2 | +1,333.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 286.9 | +571.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Summit safer?
Summit is safer with a total crime rate of 1,999 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 Summit has 468.7. Summit 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 Summit, IL
Summit, Illinois, a village in Cook County, is known for its historic role as a transportation hub along the Chicago Portage. Situated near the Des Plaines River, its population is a diverse mix of working-class and middle-income families. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 10,455, Summit has a total crime rate of 1,999.0 per 100,000 residents.