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Chicago vs Wichita Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Chicago crime rate · Wichita crime rate

Moving from Chicago, IL to Wichita, KS?

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Is Chicago or Wichita Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Wichita is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 22/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 29% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wichita has a 85% lower rate.

Note: Chicago is 6.7x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?

Chicago — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Wichita — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
Safety Score 8/100
Coverage 2,638,698
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2
Category Wins 0/7

Wichita, KS

Wichita, KS
Safety Score 22/100
Coverage 395,486
Total Crime Rate 2,841.8
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Chicago Wichita Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2 2,841.8 +1,170.4
Violent Crime Rate 539.9 538.8 +1.0
Murder Rate 17.5 8.3 +9.1
Rape Rate 58.8 33.1 +25.7
Robbery Rate 335.3 49.8 +285.5
Aggravated Assault Rate 128.3 447.3 -319.0
Property Crime Rate 3,472.4 2,303.0 +1,169.4
Burglary Rate 294.8 262.7 +32.1
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,318.8 1,791.0 +527.8
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 858.9 249.3 +609.6

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Wichita, KS?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Wichita safer?

Wichita is safer with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 29% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. Wichita 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 Wichita, KS

Wichita, the "Air Capital of the World," is a landlocked city in south-central Kansas. Its population is diverse, with significant Hispanic and Vietnamese communities contributing to its cultural fabric. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 395,486, Wichita has a total crime rate of 2,841.8 per 100,000 residents.

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