Is Chicago or Long Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Long Beach (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,156 for Long Beach — 3% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Long Beach has a 52% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 5.9x 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
Long Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Long Beach, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Long Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,155.7 | -143.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 676.9 | -137.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 8.3 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 45.0 | +13.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 222.6 | +112.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 400.5 | -272.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,478.8 | -6.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 704.8 | -410.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,795.7 | +523.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 978.3 | -119.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Long Beach safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,156 for Long Beach — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Long Beach has 676.9. Chicago 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 Long Beach, CA
Long Beach, a coastal city in Southern California, is home to the historic Queen Mary ocean liner. It boasts a diverse population exceeding 460,000, situated at the southern end of Los Angeles County. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 444,232, Long Beach has a total crime rate of 4,155.7 per 100,000 residents.