Is Bell Gardens or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bell Gardens is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 45/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,864 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 54% lower. Bell Gardens has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bell Gardens has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 71.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bell Gardens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bell Gardens, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bell Gardens | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,864.3 | 4,012.2 | -2,147.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 388.1 | 539.9 | -151.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 17.5 | -14.8 |
| Rape Rate | 24.4 | 58.8 | -34.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 133.0 | 335.3 | -202.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 228.0 | 128.3 | +99.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,476.3 | 3,472.4 | -1,996.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 135.7 | 294.8 | -159.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 835.8 | 2,318.8 | -1,482.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 504.8 | 858.9 | -354.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bell Gardens or Chicago safer?
Bell Gardens is safer with a total crime rate of 1,864 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bell Gardens has a violent crime rate of 388.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bell Gardens has lower violent crime.
About Bell Gardens, CA
Bell Gardens, a small Gateway Cities community in Los Angeles County, was once home to a major dairy industry. This largely Hispanic city is densely populated along the Rio Hondo. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 36,850, Bell Gardens has a total crime rate of 1,864.3 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.