Is Chicago or Fresno Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fresno is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,008 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 0% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fresno has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 4.8x 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
Fresno — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fresno, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fresno | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,007.5 | +4.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 736.2 | -196.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.9 | +11.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 44.6 | +14.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 167.9 | +167.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 517.1 | -388.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,271.3 | +201.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 396.2 | -101.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,204.1 | +114.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 671.1 | +187.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fresno safer?
Fresno is safer with a total crime rate of 4,008 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fresno has 736.2. 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 Fresno, CA
Fresno, the "Raisin Capital of the World," is a Central Valley city with a diverse population exceeding 540,000. Its agricultural roots are deep, situated amidst fertile farmland and experiencing hot, dry summers. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 546,722, Fresno has a total crime rate of 4,007.5 per 100,000 residents.