Is Chicago or Modesto Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Modesto is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 18/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 23% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Modesto has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 12.0x 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
Modesto — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Modesto, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Modesto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,070.5 | +941.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 655.7 | -115.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.2 | +14.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 56.2 | +2.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 113.3 | +222.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 483.1 | -354.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,414.7 | +1,057.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 267.1 | +27.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,818.8 | +500.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 328.8 | +530.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Modesto safer?
Modesto is safer with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Modesto has 655.7. 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 Modesto, CA
Modesto, seat of Stanislaus County, is known for its agricultural roots and as the birthplace of filmmaker George Lucas. Situated in California's Central Valley, it's a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 218,990, Modesto has a total crime rate of 3,070.5 per 100,000 residents.