Is Chicago or Monterey Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Monterey is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 36/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,171 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 46% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Monterey has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 91.6x 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
Monterey — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Monterey, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Monterey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,170.7 | +1,841.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 389.0 | +150.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 66.0 | -7.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 62.5 | +272.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 253.5 | -125.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,781.7 | +1,690.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 274.4 | +20.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,413.6 | +905.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 93.8 | +765.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Monterey safer?
Monterey is safer with a total crime rate of 2,171 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Monterey has 389.0. Monterey 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 Monterey, CA
Nestled on Monterey Bay, this coastal city is famed for Cannery Row's sardine industry past. Its population is approximately 30,000, with a significant portion of residents over 65. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 28,792, Monterey has a total crime rate of 2,170.7 per 100,000 residents.