Is Chicago or Glendale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Glendale is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 32/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,315 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 42% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Glendale has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 14.3x 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
Glendale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Glendale, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Glendale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,314.6 | +1,697.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 287.8 | +252.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.2 | +15.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 18.5 | +40.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 93.4 | +241.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 173.2 | -44.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,026.8 | +1,445.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 202.0 | +92.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,594.6 | +724.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 230.2 | +628.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Glendale safer?
Glendale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,315 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Glendale has 287.8. Glendale 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 Glendale, CA
Glendale, a San Fernando Valley city, is home to Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a significant burial site for Hollywood figures. It has a substantial Armenian-American population, reflected in its diverse cultural landscape. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 184,180, Glendale has a total crime rate of 2,314.6 per 100,000 residents.