Is Chicago or Wood River Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wood River is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,987 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 50% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wood River has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 258.3x 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
Wood River — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Wood River, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Wood River | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,987.1 | +2,025.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 274.1 | +265.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 107.7 | -48.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 29.4 | +305.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 137.0 | -8.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,713.0 | +1,759.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 391.5 | -96.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,204.0 | +1,114.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 117.5 | +741.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Wood River safer?
Wood River is safer with a total crime rate of 1,987 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Wood River has 274.1. Wood River 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 Wood River, IL
Wood River, Illinois, a city in Madison County, was founded in 1907 due to the growth of the Standard Oil refinery. Situated along the Mississippi River, its population is approximately 10,000 residents. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 10,216, Wood River has a total crime rate of 1,987.1 per 100,000 residents.