Is Chicago or Syracuse Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Syracuse is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 91/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 553 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 86% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Syracuse has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 68.2x 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
Syracuse — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Syracuse, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Syracuse | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 552.8 | +3,459.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 51.7 | +488.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 2.6 | +56.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 49.1 | +79.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 501.1 | +2,971.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 28.4 | +266.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 436.5 | +1,882.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 36.2 | +822.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Syracuse safer?
Syracuse is safer with a total crime rate of 553 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Syracuse has 51.7. Syracuse 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 Syracuse, UT
Syracuse, a farming community incorporated in 1935, lies on the western side of Davis County, bordering the Great Salt Lake. Its population grew rapidly in the early 2000s, attracting many young families. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 38,714, Syracuse has a total crime rate of 552.8 per 100,000 residents.