Is Chicago or Los Altos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Altos is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 63/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 68% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Altos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 89.3x 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
Los Altos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Los Altos, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Los Altos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,289.3 | +2,722.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 77.8 | +462.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 10.2 | +48.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.9 | +318.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 50.8 | +77.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,211.5 | +2,260.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 253.8 | +41.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 903.5 | +1,415.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 54.1 | +804.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Los Altos safer?
Los Altos is safer with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Los Altos has 77.8. Los Altos 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 Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, California, a suburban community in Santa Clara County, was incorporated in 1956. Known for its affluent residential areas and a charming downtown, it's situated at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 29,551, Los Altos has a total crime rate of 1,289.3 per 100,000 residents.