Is Chicago or Hayward Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Hayward (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,134 for Hayward — 3% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hayward has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 17.2x 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
Hayward — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hayward, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hayward | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,133.8 | -121.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 477.1 | +62.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.8 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 46.9 | +11.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 174.0 | +161.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 248.3 | -120.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,656.7 | -184.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 364.4 | -69.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,915.7 | +403.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,376.6 | -517.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hayward safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,134 for Hayward — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hayward has 477.1. Hayward 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 Hayward, CA
Hayward, a diverse city in Alameda County, sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Home to California State University, East Bay, it was once a major agricultural producer, especially known for its cherries and tomatoes. Its population is over 160,000 residents. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 153,419, Hayward has a total crime rate of 4,133.8 per 100,000 residents.