Is Alameda or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Alameda (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,231 for Alameda — 23% lower. Alameda has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Alameda has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 35.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Alameda — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Alameda, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alameda | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,231.1 | 4,012.2 | +1,218.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 317.0 | 539.9 | -222.9 |
| Murder Rate | 8.1 | 17.5 | -9.4 |
| Rape Rate | 21.5 | 58.8 | -37.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 124.9 | 335.3 | -210.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 162.5 | 128.3 | +34.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,914.2 | 3,472.4 | +1,441.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 257.9 | 294.8 | -36.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,377.7 | 2,318.8 | +1,059.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,278.6 | 858.9 | +419.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alameda or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,231 for Alameda — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alameda has a violent crime rate of 317.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Alameda has lower violent crime.
About Alameda, CA
Alameda is an island city in the East Bay, historically known for its naval air station. It's home to a diverse population of around 78,000 residents. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 74,458, Alameda has a total crime rate of 5,231.1 per 100,000 residents.
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.