Is Carlsbad or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 49/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 57% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Carlsbad has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 23.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlsbad — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, CA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,710.3 | 4,012.2 | -2,302.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.1 | 539.9 | -340.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 17.5 | -16.6 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 58.8 | -52.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.5 | 335.3 | -300.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 157.5 | 128.3 | +29.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,511.2 | 3,472.4 | -1,961.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.2 | 294.8 | -58.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.1 | 2,318.8 | -1,152.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 108.8 | 858.9 | -750.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or Chicago safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 199.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, known for LEGOLAND California, which opened in 1999. Its affluent population enjoys a Mediterranean climate and seven miles of picturesque beaches. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 113,023, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 1,710.3 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.