Is Chicago or Chula Vista Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chula Vista is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 56/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,508 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 62% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chula Vista has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 9.6x 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
Chula Vista — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Chula Vista, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Chula Vista | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,508.2 | +2,504.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 375.8 | +164.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.1 | +16.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.4 | +39.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 82.2 | +253.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 273.2 | -144.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,132.4 | +2,340.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 134.4 | +160.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 666.4 | +1,652.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 331.6 | +527.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Chula Vista safer?
Chula Vista is safer with a total crime rate of 1,508 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Chula Vista has 375.8. Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista, "beautiful view" in Spanish, is San Diego County's second-largest city. It's home to the Olympic Training Center and sits just north of the Mexican border, reflecting a vibrant binational culture. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 273,843, Chula Vista has a total crime rate of 1,508.2 per 100,000 residents.