Is Chicago or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 48/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 57% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Virginia Beach has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 5.8x 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
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,733.3 | +2,279.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 93.4 | +446.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.9 | +14.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.5 | +40.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 31.6 | +303.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 39.3 | +89.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,639.9 | +1,832.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 83.9 | +210.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,446.8 | +872.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 109.2 | +749.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach, a coastal city where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, is home to the Naval Air Station Oceana, a major employer. Its population of nearly half a million is diverse, with significant military and retiree communities. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 455,155, Virginia Beach has a total crime rate of 1,733.3 per 100,000 residents.