Is Chicago or West Melbourne Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Melbourne is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 61/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,351 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 66% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Melbourne has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 87.8x 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
West Melbourne — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
West Melbourne, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | West Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,350.8 | +2,661.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 153.0 | +386.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 13.3 | +45.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 23.3 | +312.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 116.5 | +11.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,197.7 | +2,274.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 59.9 | +234.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,114.6 | +1,204.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 23.3 | +835.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or West Melbourne safer?
West Melbourne is safer with a total crime rate of 1,351 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while West Melbourne has 153.0. West Melbourne 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 West Melbourne, FL
West Melbourne, Florida, once known for its citrus groves, is a city in Brevard County. It's home to a diverse population, with many residents employed in the tech and aerospace industries. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 30,057, West Melbourne has a total crime rate of 1,350.8 per 100,000 residents.