Is Chicago or Vancouver Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Vancouver is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,991 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 1% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Vancouver has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 13.3x 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
Vancouver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Vancouver, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,991.0 | +21.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 583.8 | -43.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.6 | +11.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 61.6 | -2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 122.1 | +213.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 393.1 | -264.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,407.3 | +65.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 469.2 | -174.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,341.1 | -22.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 596.9 | +262.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Vancouver safer?
Vancouver is safer with a total crime rate of 3,991 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Vancouver has 583.8. 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 Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, Washington, across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, is the fourth-largest city in Washington. It was the site of Fort Vancouver, a major 19th-century fur trading post. The city has seen significant growth, with a population over 190,000. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 198,194, Vancouver has a total crime rate of 3,991.0 per 100,000 residents.