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Chicago vs Tampa Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Chicago crime rate · Tampa crime rate

Moving from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL?

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Is Chicago or Tampa Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Tampa is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Tampa has a 82% lower rate.

Note: Chicago is 6.5x 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

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Tampa — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
Safety Score 8/100
Coverage 2,638,698
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2
Category Wins 0/7

Tampa, FL

Tampa, FL
Safety Score 43/100
Coverage 408,646
Total Crime Rate 1,912.7
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Chicago Tampa Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2 1,912.7 +2,099.6
Violent Crime Rate 539.9 447.3 +92.5
Murder Rate 17.5 8.8 +8.7
Rape Rate 58.8 41.9 +16.9
Robbery Rate 335.3 59.0 +276.3
Aggravated Assault Rate 128.3 335.0 -206.7
Property Crime Rate 3,472.4 1,465.3 +2,007.1
Burglary Rate 294.8 167.4 +127.4
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,318.8 1,154.5 +1,164.2
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 858.9 143.4 +715.5

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Tampa safer?

Tampa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Tampa has 447.3. Tampa 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 Tampa, FL

Tampa, a Gulf Coast city, boasts a rich Cuban heritage from its cigar industry days. It's a diverse port city situated on Tampa Bay, with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 408,646, Tampa has a total crime rate of 1,912.7 per 100,000 residents.

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