Is Chicago or Grass Valley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grass Valley is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,687 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 33% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Grass Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 187.5x 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
Grass Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Grass Valley, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Grass Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,686.6 | +1,325.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 540.2 | -0.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 92.4 | -33.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 35.5 | +299.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 412.2 | -283.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,146.4 | +1,326.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 284.3 | +10.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,428.6 | +890.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 433.6 | +425.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Grass Valley safer?
Grass Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 2,687 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Grass Valley has 540.2. 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 Grass Valley, CA
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Grass Valley boomed during the Gold Rush, its historic downtown now a cultural hub. This small city, with a population around 13,000, retains much of its charming 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 14,070, Grass Valley has a total crime rate of 2,686.6 per 100,000 residents.