Is Burlingame or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlingame is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,209 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 45% lower. Burlingame has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlingame has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 89.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlingame — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlingame, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlingame | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,209.0 | 4,012.2 | -1,803.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 183.2 | 539.9 | -356.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 33.9 | 58.8 | -24.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.4 | 335.3 | -314.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.9 | 128.3 | +0.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,025.7 | 3,472.4 | -1,446.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 98.4 | 294.8 | -196.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,740.7 | 2,318.8 | -578.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 186.6 | 858.9 | -672.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlingame or Chicago safer?
Burlingame is safer with a total crime rate of 2,209 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlingame has a violent crime rate of 183.2 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Burlingame has lower violent crime.
About Burlingame, CA
Burlingame, "City of Trees," is an affluent San Francisco Peninsula city. It's home to many tech workers and boasts a vibrant downtown near San Francisco International Airport. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 29,471, Burlingame has a total crime rate of 2,209.0 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.