CHICAGO — The FBI’s latest crime report, released in September 2023, reveals a mixed picture of public safety in Chicago, with some categories far exceeding national averages — particularly robbery, vehicle theft, and murder.
The data, which covers the full calendar year of 2022, highlights where Chicago continues to battle high crime — and where it is outperforming the national trend.
FBI statistics are calculated per 100,000 residents and represent the most current federal data available (FBI UCR, September 2023).
Violent Crime: Robbery and Murder Rates Stand Out
Chicago recorded a robbery rate of 412.3, more than three times the national average of 135.5. The murder rate in Chicago was also alarmingly high at 19.0, compared to the national rate of 6.1.
| Crime Category | Chicago Rate | National Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 412.3 | 135.5 |
| Murder | 19.0 | 6.1 |
| Sex Crimes | 47.3 | 40.7 |
| Assault | 128.1 | 282.7 |
While assault rates in Chicago are significantly lower than the national average, violent crimes like robbery and homicide remain core concerns for public safety officials.
Property Crime: Vehicle Thefts Surge Past National Levels
Chicago reported a motor vehicle theft rate of 1006.8, which is over 3.5 times higher than the U.S. average of 284.0 — making it one of the most extreme outliers in the city’s property crime profile.
Interestingly, burglary and theft rates were either below or slightly above national norms:
| Property Crime | Chicago Rate | National Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1006.8 | 284.0 |
| Burglary | 280.1 | 500.1 |
| Theft | 2145.0 | 2042.8 |
This indicates that while overall property crime is mixed, auto theft in particular has reached critical levels citywide.
How the FBI Calculates Crime Rates?
The FBI compiles its crime rate data through voluntary submissions from local law enforcement agencies via the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. All figures represent crimes per 100,000 residents annually — offering a standardized way to compare jurisdictions.
This report reflects data gathered from 2022, and made public in September 2023. It is currently the most comprehensive and up-to-date source available for law enforcement and media analysis (FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Do you feel these crime trends match your neighborhood experience?
What changes do you believe Chicago should prioritize to improve public safety?
Join the conversation in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
