Is Chicago or Colton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Colton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 28/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 38% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Colton has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 49.6x 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
Colton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Colton, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Colton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,498.5 | +1,513.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 393.2 | +146.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.6 | +11.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 22.6 | +36.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 105.4 | +229.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 259.6 | -131.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,105.2 | +1,367.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 301.0 | -6.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,418.6 | +900.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 385.7 | +473.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Colton safer?
Colton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Colton has 393.2. Colton 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 Colton, CA
Colton, California, a historic railroad town, lies in the Inland Empire. It's home to the oldest operating McDonald's restaurant, a landmark reflecting its mid-20th century growth. The city is primarily a working-class community with a diverse population. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 53,153, Colton has a total crime rate of 2,498.5 per 100,000 residents.