Is Atwater or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Atwater is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 28% lower. Atwater has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Atwater has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 82.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Atwater — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Atwater, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Atwater | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,904.1 | 4,012.2 | -1,108.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 710.4 | 539.9 | +170.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 17.5 | -11.2 |
| Rape Rate | 56.1 | 58.8 | -2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.1 | 335.3 | -279.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.0 | 128.3 | +463.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,193.6 | 3,472.4 | -1,278.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 271.1 | 294.8 | -23.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,748.0 | 2,318.8 | -570.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 174.5 | 858.9 | -684.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atwater or Chicago safer?
Atwater is safer with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Atwater has a violent crime rate of 710.4 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Atwater, CA
Atwater, in Merced County, is a Central Valley city with roots in agriculture and the former Castle Air Force Base. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban influences. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 32,093, Atwater has a total crime rate of 2,904.1 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.