Is Burbank or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burbank is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 14% lower. Burbank has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burbank has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 26.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burbank — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burbank, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burbank | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,462.3 | 4,012.2 | -549.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 390.6 | 539.9 | -149.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 17.5 | -15.5 |
| Rape Rate | 11.8 | 58.8 | -46.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.7 | 335.3 | -240.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.1 | 128.3 | +153.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,071.7 | 3,472.4 | -400.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 342.3 | 294.8 | +47.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,436.5 | 2,318.8 | +117.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 293.0 | 858.9 | -565.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burbank or Chicago safer?
Burbank is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burbank has a violent crime rate of 390.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Burbank has lower violent crime.
About Burbank, CA
Burbank, a San Fernando Valley city, is home to major entertainment studios like Warner Bros. and Disney. Its population is diverse, with a significant portion employed in the media industry. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 101,377, Burbank has a total crime rate of 3,462.3 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.