Is Chicago or Fountain Valley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fountain Valley is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,965 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 51% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fountain Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 48.0x 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
Fountain Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fountain Valley, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fountain Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,964.5 | +2,047.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 180.1 | +359.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 16.4 | +42.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 61.9 | +273.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 100.1 | +28.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,784.5 | +1,687.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 274.7 | +20.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,337.0 | +981.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 172.8 | +686.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fountain Valley safer?
Fountain Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,965 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fountain Valley has 180.1. Fountain Valley 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 Fountain Valley, CA
Fountain Valley, a suburban Orange County city incorporated in 1957, is home to Mile Square Regional Park. This largely residential community, once known for its abundant artesian wells, sits just inland from the Pacific coast. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 54,975, Fountain Valley has a total crime rate of 1,964.5 per 100,000 residents.