Is Chicago or El Cerrito Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cerrito is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,524 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 12% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cerrito has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 103.8x 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
El Cerrito — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
El Cerrito, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | El Cerrito | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,524.2 | +488.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 479.9 | +60.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 15.7 | +43.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 287.1 | +48.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 177.0 | -48.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,044.4 | +428.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 338.3 | -43.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,253.8 | +65.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 452.3 | +406.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or El Cerrito safer?
El Cerrito is safer with a total crime rate of 3,524 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while El Cerrito has 479.9. El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito, CA
El Cerrito, a city in the East Bay, was incorporated in 1917 to prevent annexation by Richmond. Situated on the slopes above San Francisco Bay, it's a diverse community with a significant Asian population. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 25,424, El Cerrito has a total crime rate of 3,524.2 per 100,000 residents.