Is Chicago or Huntington Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Huntington Beach is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 45% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Huntington Beach has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 13.9x 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
Huntington Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Huntington Beach, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Huntington Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,196.4 | +1,815.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 207.3 | +332.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.6 | +14.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 34.7 | +24.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 51.0 | +284.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 118.9 | +9.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,989.2 | +1,483.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 201.0 | +93.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,644.0 | +674.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 144.2 | +714.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Huntington Beach safer?
Huntington Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Huntington Beach has 207.3. Huntington 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 Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, "Surf City, USA," stretches along the Pacific, a vibrant Orange County city with a significant tourist draw. Its lengthy pier and consistent waves attract a youthful, active population. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 190,081, Huntington Beach has a total crime rate of 2,196.4 per 100,000 residents.