Is Chicago or Sweetwater Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sweetwater is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 36/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,170 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 46% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sweetwater has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 127.3x 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
Sweetwater — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sweetwater, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sweetwater | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,170.5 | +1,841.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 101.3 | +438.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 53.1 | +282.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 48.2 | +80.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,069.2 | +1,403.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 48.2 | +246.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,664.0 | +654.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 356.9 | +502.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sweetwater safer?
Sweetwater is safer with a total crime rate of 2,170 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sweetwater has 101.3. Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater, FL
Sweetwater, Florida, a small city in Miami-Dade County, is home to a significant Cuban population, reflected in its cultural landscape. Originally developed in the 1930s around a planned alligator farm, it sits west of Miami International Airport. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 20,733, Sweetwater has a total crime rate of 2,170.5 per 100,000 residents.