Is Chicago or Manhattan Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manhattan Beach is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,683 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 33% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Manhattan Beach has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 80.6x 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
Manhattan Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Manhattan Beach, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Manhattan Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,683.1 | +1,329.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 149.7 | +390.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.1 | +14.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 15.3 | +43.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 48.9 | +286.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 82.5 | +45.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,533.3 | +939.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 409.5 | -114.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,894.6 | +424.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 229.2 | +629.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Manhattan Beach safer?
Manhattan Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,683 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Manhattan Beach has 149.7. Manhattan 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 Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Beach, a city in southwest Los Angeles County, is an affluent coastal community known for its pier, a popular surf spot since the early 1900s. It features a scenic Strand and boasts a median household income significantly above the county average. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 32,724, Manhattan Beach has a total crime rate of 2,683.1 per 100,000 residents.