Is Chicago or Eureka Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Eureka (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,191 for Eureka — 4% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Eureka has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 103.5x 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
Eureka — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Eureka, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Eureka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,190.7 | -178.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,020.2 | -480.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 117.7 | -58.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 227.6 | +107.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 671.0 | -542.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,170.5 | +301.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 529.7 | -235.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,099.3 | +219.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 541.5 | +317.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Eureka safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,191 for Eureka — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Eureka has 1,020.2. Chicago 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 Eureka, CA
Eureka, the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, boasts a historic Old Town. This Humboldt County seat is home to diverse communities, including a significant Native American population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 25,485, Eureka has a total crime rate of 4,190.7 per 100,000 residents.