Is Chicago or Elk Grove Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elk Grove is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 59/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,422 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 65% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Elk Grove has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 14.7x 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
Elk Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Elk Grove, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Elk Grove | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,422.3 | +2,589.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 190.4 | +349.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 20.7 | +38.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 50.3 | +285.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 117.3 | +11.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,231.9 | +2,240.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 110.6 | +184.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 996.2 | +1,322.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 125.1 | +733.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Elk Grove safer?
Elk Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 1,422 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Elk Grove has 190.4. Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove, California, a Sacramento suburb, grew from a 19th-century stagecoach stop. It's now a diverse community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and rapid population expansion. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 179,074, Elk Grove has a total crime rate of 1,422.3 per 100,000 residents.