Is Benicia or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Benicia is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 68/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,164 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 71% lower. Benicia has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Benicia has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 100.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Benicia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Benicia, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Benicia | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,163.8 | 4,012.2 | -2,848.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 133.6 | 539.9 | -406.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 58.8 | -39.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.8 | 335.3 | -289.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.7 | 128.3 | -59.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,030.3 | 3,472.4 | -2,442.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 202.2 | 294.8 | -92.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 587.6 | 2,318.8 | -1,731.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 240.4 | 858.9 | -618.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benicia or Chicago safer?
Benicia is safer with a total crime rate of 1,164 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Benicia has a violent crime rate of 133.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Benicia has lower violent crime.
About Benicia, CA
Benicia, once California's state capital, is a waterfront city in Solano County, situated on the Carquinez Strait. Its population is diverse, with a notable artist community contributing to its unique character. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 26,207, Benicia has a total crime rate of 1,163.8 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.