Is Chicago or Tulsa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Tulsa (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,571 for Tulsa — 12% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Tulsa has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 6.4x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tulsa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Tulsa, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Tulsa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,570.7 | -558.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 942.9 | -403.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 9.5 | +8.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 105.8 | -47.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 98.7 | +236.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 728.0 | -599.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,627.8 | -155.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 747.2 | -452.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,397.9 | -79.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 482.7 | +376.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Tulsa safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,571 for Tulsa — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Tulsa has 942.9. 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 Tulsa, OK
Tulsa, a city in northeast Oklahoma' along the Arkansas River, boasts a rich art deco architectural heritage. It's the second-largest city in the state, with a diverse population and a significant Native American presence. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 411,274, Tulsa has a total crime rate of 4,570.7 per 100,000 residents.