Moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 45% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Angeles has a 60% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,212.5 | +1,799.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 728.5 | -188.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.0 | +10.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.3 | +18.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 209.9 | +125.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 471.4 | -343.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,483.9 | +1,988.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 372.8 | -78.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 851.5 | +1,467.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 259.6 | +599.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 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 Los Angeles has 728.5. 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 Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 per 100,000 residents.