Is Berkeley or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Berkeley (Safety Score 8/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,869 for Berkeley — 32% lower. Berkeley has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Berkeley has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 22.5x 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 Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Berkeley, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Berkeley | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,868.8 | 4,012.2 | +1,856.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 639.7 | 539.9 | +99.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.0 | 17.5 | -11.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.0 | 58.8 | -12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 186.5 | 335.3 | -148.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 400.3 | 128.3 | +272.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,229.1 | 3,472.4 | +1,756.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 661.0 | 294.8 | +366.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,655.9 | 2,318.8 | +1,337.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 912.3 | 858.9 | +53.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkeley or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,869 for Berkeley — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Berkeley has a violent crime rate of 639.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Berkeley, CA
Berkeley, California, home to a world-renowned university and the Free Speech Movement, sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. This diverse city's population is highly educated, with a significant proportion holding graduate degrees. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 117,400, Berkeley has a total crime rate of 5,868.8 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.