Is Chicago or El Monte Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Monte is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 29/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,475 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 murder, where El Monte has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 25.8x 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 Monte — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
El Monte, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | El Monte | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,475.3 | +1,536.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 423.2 | +116.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.9 | +11.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 31.4 | +27.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 162.6 | +172.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 223.3 | -95.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,052.2 | +1,420.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 388.9 | -94.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,186.2 | +1,132.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 477.0 | +381.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or El Monte safer?
El Monte is safer with a total crime rate of 2,475 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 El Monte has 423.2. El Monte 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 Monte, CA
El Monte, "The End of the Trail" for the Old Spanish Trail, is a diverse city in the San Gabriel Valley. It's home to a large working-class population and numerous small businesses. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 102,088, El Monte has a total crime rate of 2,475.3 per 100,000 residents.