Is Chicago or Oakland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 56% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 6.1x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Oakland, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 9,155.7 | -5,143.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,925.3 | -1,385.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 18.6 | -1.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 68.0 | -9.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 680.4 | -345.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 1,158.3 | -1,030.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 7,230.3 | -3,758.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 786.8 | -492.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 4,164.7 | -1,845.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 2,278.9 | -1,420.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Oakland safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Oakland has 1,925.3. 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 Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 per 100,000 residents.