Is Chicago or Hermosa Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hermosa Beach is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 22/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,851 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 29% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hermosa Beach has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 144.1x 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
Hermosa Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hermosa Beach, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hermosa Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,850.6 | +1,161.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 393.2 | +146.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 32.8 | +26.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 49.2 | +286.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 311.3 | -183.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,457.4 | +1,015.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 529.7 | -234.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,671.0 | +647.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 256.7 | +602.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hermosa Beach safer?
Hermosa Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,851 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hermosa Beach has 393.2. Hermosa Beach 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 Hermosa Beach, CA
Hermosa Beach, a quintessential Southern California beach city, is home to the oldest surf shop in the world. This small, affluent Los Angeles County community spans just 1.4 square miles. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 18,312, Hermosa Beach has a total crime rate of 2,850.6 per 100,000 residents.