Is Chicago or Van Buren Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren Township is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 31/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 40% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 89.2x 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
Van Buren Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Van Buren Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Van Buren Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,396.0 | +1,616.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 327.8 | +212.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.6 | +18.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 287.3 | -158.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,068.2 | +1,404.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 138.6 | +156.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,696.5 | +622.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 233.2 | +625.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Van Buren Township safer?
Van Buren Township is safer with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Van Buren Township has 327.8. Van Buren Township 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 Van Buren Township, MI
Van Buren Township, Michigan, named for President Martin Van Buren, is a diverse community in Wayne County. Situated southwest of Detroit, it encompasses Belleville Lake and boasts a significant industrial presence alongside residential areas. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 29,591, Van Buren Township has a total crime rate of 2,396.0 per 100,000 residents.