Is Chicago or La Palma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, La Palma is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 39/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,033 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 49% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where La Palma has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 177.6x 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
La Palma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
La Palma, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | La Palma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,032.9 | +1,979.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 208.7 | +331.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 26.9 | +31.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 80.8 | +254.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 101.0 | +27.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,824.2 | +1,648.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 350.0 | -55.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,204.9 | +1,113.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 269.3 | +589.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or La Palma safer?
La Palma is safer with a total crime rate of 2,033 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while La Palma has 208.7. La Palma 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 La Palma, CA
La Palma, originally a dairy farm community, is a small Orange County city. It's largely residential, with a diverse population of around 15,000 within its compact 1.8 square miles. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 14,856, La Palma has a total crime rate of 2,032.9 per 100,000 residents.