Is Chicago or Los Banos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Banos is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 39/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,046 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 49% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Banos has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 53.3x 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 Banos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Los Banos, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Los Banos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,046.5 | +1,965.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 213.9 | +325.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.0 | +15.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.4 | +18.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 40.4 | +294.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 131.2 | -2.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,832.5 | +1,639.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 201.8 | +93.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,404.7 | +914.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 226.0 | +632.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Los Banos safer?
Los Banos is safer with a total crime rate of 2,046 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 Los Banos has 213.9. Los Banos 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 Banos, CA
Los Banos, Spanish for "The Baths," was founded in 1889 as a watering stop for the Southern Pacific Railroad. This Central Valley city, home to over 45,000 residents, sits at the edge of agricultural lands and wildlife refuges. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 49,549, Los Banos has a total crime rate of 2,046.5 per 100,000 residents.