Is Chicago or Chowchilla Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chowchilla is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 45/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,866 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 53% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chowchilla has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 135.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chowchilla — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Chowchilla, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Chowchilla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,866.3 | +2,146.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 676.8 | -136.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 61.5 | -2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 25.6 | +309.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 589.6 | -461.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,189.5 | +2,282.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 282.0 | +12.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 712.7 | +1,606.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 194.8 | +664.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Chowchilla safer?
Chowchilla is safer with a total crime rate of 1,866 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Chowchilla has 676.8. Chicago has lower violent crime.
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.
About Chowchilla, CA
Chowchilla, a small city in the San Joaquin Valley, is known for its annual "Fairy Tale Town" parade. This agricultural community, with a population around 19,000, sits equidistant from Fresno and Merced. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 19,504, Chowchilla has a total crime rate of 1,866.3 per 100,000 residents.