Ann Arbor, MI vs Chicago, IL

Ann Arbor is safer with a higher safety score by 9 points. Ann Arbor, MI has a safety score of 69/100 while Chicago, IL has 60/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Ann Arbor, MI has a violent crime rate of 302.5 per 100,000 residents, while Chicago, IL has 539.8 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Ann Arbor, MI has a property crime rate of 1715.7 per 100,000, compared to 3472.4 per 100,000 in Chicago, IL. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Safety scores range from 0-100, combining violent crime rates, property crime rates, and population data from the FBI UCR. Higher scores mean safer cities. Grades: A (80+), B (70-79), C (60-69), D (50-59), F (below 50).

Based on crime data alone, Ann Arbor is safer. However, safety is just one factor — also consider cost of living, job market, schools, and quality of life. Visit our city pages for more details on each.