Is Chicago or Sycamore Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sycamore is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 72/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,052 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 74% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sycamore has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 141.0x 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
Sycamore — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sycamore, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sycamore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,052.5 | +2,959.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 42.7 | +497.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.3 | +12.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 16.0 | +42.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 21.4 | +107.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,009.7 | +2,462.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 85.5 | +209.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 828.1 | +1,490.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 96.2 | +762.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sycamore safer?
Sycamore is safer with a total crime rate of 1,052 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sycamore has 42.7. Sycamore 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 Sycamore, IL
Sycamore, Illinois, a DeKalb County seat, is a historic town known for its Victorian architecture and annual Pumpkin Festival. Located about 60 miles west of Chicago, it maintains a small-town feel despite its growing population of over 18,000 residents. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 18,718, Sycamore has a total crime rate of 1,052.5 per 100,000 residents.