Is Chicago or Oceanside Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oceanside is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 37/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,131 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 47% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oceanside has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 15.6x 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
Oceanside — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Oceanside, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Oceanside | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,130.7 | +1,881.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 458.7 | +81.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.4 | +15.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 30.2 | +28.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 85.4 | +249.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 340.8 | -212.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,672.0 | +1,800.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 308.2 | -13.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,164.0 | +1,154.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 199.7 | +659.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Oceanside safer?
Oceanside is safer with a total crime rate of 2,131 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Oceanside has 458.7. Oceanside 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 Oceanside, CA
Oceanside, California, a coastal city in San Diego County, is home to Camp Pendleton, a major U.S. Marine Corps base. Its iconic pier, one of the longest on the West Coast, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 168,725, Oceanside has a total crime rate of 2,130.7 per 100,000 residents.