Is Chicago or Escondido Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Escondido is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,919 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Escondido has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 17.9x 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
Escondido — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Escondido, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Escondido | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,918.9 | +2,093.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 433.5 | +106.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.4 | +16.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 17.7 | +41.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 112.1 | +223.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 302.4 | -174.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,485.4 | +1,987.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 222.9 | +71.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,050.5 | +1,268.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 212.0 | +646.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Escondido safer?
Escondido is safer with a total crime rate of 1,919 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Escondido has 433.5. Escondido 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 Escondido, CA
Nestled in a valley, Escondido, California, is one of San Diego County's oldest cities, incorporated in 1888. Its diverse population of over 150,000 residents enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with citrus groves historically important to its economy. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 147,170, Escondido has a total crime rate of 1,918.9 per 100,000 residents.