Is Chicago or Clayton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clayton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 89/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 591 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 85% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Clayton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 247.6x 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
Clayton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Clayton, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Clayton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 591.3 | +3,421.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 84.5 | +455.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.4 | +49.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 18.8 | +316.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 56.3 | +72.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 506.8 | +2,965.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 93.9 | +200.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 356.6 | +1,962.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 56.3 | +802.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Clayton safer?
Clayton is safer with a total crime rate of 591 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Clayton has 84.5. Clayton 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 Clayton, CA
Nestled at the base of Mount Diablo, Clayton was founded as a coal mining town in 1857. This East Bay suburb primarily consists of single-family homes, with a median age of residents around 45. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 10,655, Clayton has a total crime rate of 591.3 per 100,000 residents.