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Arcata vs Chicago Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Arcata crime rate · Chicago crime rate

Moving from Arcata, CA to Chicago, IL?

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Is Arcata or Chicago Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Arcata is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 34/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 43% lower. Arcata has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Arcata has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Chicago is 138.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Arcata, CA?

Arcata — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Chicago — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Arcata, CA

Arcata, CA
Safety Score 34/100
Coverage 19,107
Total Crime Rate 2,271.4
Category Wins 7/7

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
Safety Score 8/100
Coverage 2,638,698
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2
Category Wins 0/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Arcata Chicago Difference
Total Crime Rate 2,271.4 4,012.2 -1,740.8
Violent Crime Rate 507.7 539.9 -32.2
Murder Rate 0.0 17.5 -17.5
Rape Rate 73.3 58.8 +14.5
Robbery Rate 120.4 335.3 -214.9
Aggravated Assault Rate 314.0 128.3 +185.7
Property Crime Rate 1,763.8 3,472.4 -1,708.6
Burglary Rate 193.7 294.8 -101.1
Larceny-Theft Rate 1,423.6 2,318.8 -895.2
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 146.5 858.9 -712.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Arcata, CA to Chicago, IL?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arcata or Chicago safer?

Arcata is safer with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 43% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Arcata has a violent crime rate of 507.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Arcata has lower violent crime.

About Arcata, CA

Arcata, California, a Humboldt Bay city and home to Cal Poly Humboldt, is known for its redwood forests and counter-culture heritage. Its population of around 19,000 residents enjoys a temperate climate and a strong sense of community. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 19,107, Arcata has a total crime rate of 2,271.4 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.

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