Is Chicago or Zion Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Zion is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 58/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,446 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 64% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Zion has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 109.6x 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
Zion — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Zion, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Zion | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,445.9 | +2,566.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 452.9 | +87.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 12.5 | +5.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 91.4 | -32.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 45.7 | +289.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 303.3 | -175.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 993.0 | +2,479.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 236.8 | +57.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 548.5 | +1,770.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 207.7 | +651.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Zion safer?
Zion is safer with a total crime rate of 1,446 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Zion has 452.9. Zion 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 Zion, IL
Zion, Illinois, a city founded on religious principles, sits along Lake Michigan in northern Illinois. Its grid street plan, centered around Shiloh House, reflects its early 20th-century development. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 24,068, Zion has a total crime rate of 1,445.9 per 100,000 residents.