Is Chicago or Gonzales Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Gonzales (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,299 for Gonzales — 7% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Gonzales has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 185.1x 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
Gonzales — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Gonzales, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Gonzales | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,299.0 | -286.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 364.7 | +175.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 14.0 | +3.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 42.1 | +16.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 63.1 | +272.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 245.5 | -117.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,934.4 | -462.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 224.4 | +70.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,373.3 | -1,054.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 336.6 | +522.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Gonzales safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,299 for Gonzales — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Gonzales has 364.7. Gonzales 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 Gonzales, LA
Gonzales, "Jambalaya Capital of the World," is a city in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. It lies on the Mississippi River's east bank, midway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, with a population around 12,000. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 14,259, Gonzales has a total crime rate of 4,299.0 per 100,000 residents.