Is Chicago or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 40% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 49% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 11.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 6,666.7 | -2,654.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,063.0 | -523.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 9.8 | +7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 67.9 | -9.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 184.4 | +150.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 801.0 | -672.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 5,603.6 | -2,131.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 669.7 | -374.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,521.3 | -1,202.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,412.6 | -553.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Tacoma safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Chicago 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 Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, nestled on Commencement Bay, boasts a rich industrial past, once a major port for timber and rail. Today, this diverse city, home to over 200,000 residents, features a vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 223,980, Tacoma has a total crime rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 residents.