Is Chicago or Morro Bay Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Morro Bay is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 71/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,092 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 Morro Bay has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 250.5x 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
Morro Bay — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Morro Bay, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Morro Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,091.9 | +2,920.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 303.8 | +236.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 66.5 | -7.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 19.0 | +316.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 208.9 | -80.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 788.1 | +2,684.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 38.0 | +256.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 702.6 | +1,616.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 47.5 | +811.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Morro Bay safer?
Morro Bay is safer with a total crime rate of 1,092 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 Morro Bay has 303.8. Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay, CA
Morro Bay, a small coastal city in San Luis Obispo County, is famous for Morro Rock, a volcanic plug that's part of the Nine Sisters. Its harbor supports a fishing fleet and draws tourists to its waterfront. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 10,532, Morro Bay has a total crime rate of 1,091.9 per 100,000 residents.