Is Chicago or Mill Valley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mill Valley is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 70/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,098 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 73% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mill Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 193.2x 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
Mill Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Mill Valley, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Mill Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,098.3 | +2,914.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 95.2 | +444.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 29.3 | +306.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 65.9 | +62.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,003.1 | +2,469.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 183.0 | +111.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 790.8 | +1,528.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 29.3 | +829.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Mill Valley safer?
Mill Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,098 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Mill Valley has 95.2. Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley, CA
Mill Valley, a Marin County city nestled at Mt. Tamalpais' base, is known for its redwood forests and affluent, predominantly white population. It was the starting point for the Dipsea Race, one of the oldest trail races in the U.S. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 13,658, Mill Valley has a total crime rate of 1,098.3 per 100,000 residents.