Is Chicago or Fullerton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fullerton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 29/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,481 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 38% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fullerton has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 19.1x 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
Fullerton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Fullerton, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Fullerton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,481.5 | +1,530.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 457.4 | +82.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.7 | +16.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 32.6 | +26.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 90.6 | +244.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 331.3 | -203.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,024.0 | +1,448.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 327.0 | -32.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,486.9 | +831.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 210.2 | +648.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fullerton safer?
Fullerton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,481 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Fullerton has 457.4. Fullerton 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 Fullerton, CA
Fullerton, a city in northern Orange County, is home to California State University, Fullerton. It developed around citrus groves and now boasts a diverse population with a notable student presence. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 137,942, Fullerton has a total crime rate of 2,481.5 per 100,000 residents.