Is Chicago or Montclair Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Montclair (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,290 for Montclair — 6% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Montclair has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 70.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Montclair — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Montclair, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Montclair | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,289.8 | -277.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 644.1 | -104.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 37.4 | +21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 179.1 | +156.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 427.7 | -299.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,645.7 | -173.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 582.7 | -287.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,290.6 | +28.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 772.4 | +86.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Montclair safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,290 for Montclair — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Montclair has 644.1. 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 Montclair, CA
Montclair, California, a city in the Inland Empire, was once home to citrus groves. Today, it's a diverse community with a significant Latino population, bordering Upland and Pomona. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 37,414, Montclair has a total crime rate of 4,289.8 per 100,000 residents.