Is Chicago or Laguna Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Laguna Beach is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 70/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,117 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 72% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Laguna Beach has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 119.3x 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
Laguna Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Laguna Beach, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Laguna Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,116.9 | +2,895.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 167.3 | +372.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 13.6 | +45.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 40.7 | +294.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 113.1 | +15.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 949.6 | +2,522.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 126.6 | +168.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 746.1 | +1,572.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 76.9 | +782.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Laguna Beach safer?
Laguna Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,117 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Laguna Beach has 167.3. Laguna 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 Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach, a coastal city in Southern California renowned for its artist community and many art galleries, is nestled among canyons and beaches. Its population of roughly 22,000 residents enjoys a picturesque setting. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 22,115, Laguna Beach has a total crime rate of 1,116.9 per 100,000 residents.