Is Auburn or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 72/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,043 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 74% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Auburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 193.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,042.7 | 4,012.2 | -2,969.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 381.9 | 539.9 | -158.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 36.7 | 58.8 | -22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.0 | 335.3 | -313.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 323.1 | 128.3 | +194.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 660.9 | 3,472.4 | -2,811.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.1 | 294.8 | -206.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 470.0 | 2,318.8 | -1,848.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 102.8 | 858.9 | -756.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Chicago safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,043 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 381.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, CA
Auburn, California, once a Gold Rush boomtown, sits at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. This small city in Placer County is known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreation. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 13,618, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,042.7 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.