Is Chicago or Hillsborough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hillsborough is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 82/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 774 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 81% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hillsborough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 246.0x 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
Hillsborough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Hillsborough, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Hillsborough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 773.7 | +3,238.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 93.2 | +446.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 37.3 | +21.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 9.3 | +326.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 46.6 | +81.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 680.5 | +2,791.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 167.8 | +127.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 428.8 | +1,890.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 83.9 | +775.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Hillsborough safer?
Hillsborough is safer with a total crime rate of 774 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Hillsborough has 93.2. Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough, CA
Hillsborough is an affluent, residential town on the San Francisco Peninsula, known for its large estates and lack of commercial zoning. It was incorporated in 1910 and has a median household income significantly higher than the national average. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 10,728, Hillsborough has a total crime rate of 773.7 per 100,000 residents.