Is Chicago or Westchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westchester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 86/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 681 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 83% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westchester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 166.4x 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
Westchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Westchester, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Westchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 681.1 | +3,331.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 56.8 | +483.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 6.3 | +52.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 25.2 | +310.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 25.2 | +103.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 624.4 | +2,848.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 63.1 | +231.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 422.6 | +1,896.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 138.8 | +720.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Westchester safer?
Westchester is safer with a total crime rate of 681 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Westchester has 56.8. Westchester 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 Westchester, IL
Westchester, a western Chicago suburb, is home to Wolf Road Prairie, a significant remnant of Illinois' original tallgrass prairie ecosystem. This residential community primarily comprises single-family homes, reflecting its mid-20th century development patterns. With a safety score of 86/100 and a population coverage of 15,856, Westchester has a total crime rate of 681.1 per 100,000 residents.