Is Chicago or Ontario Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ontario is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 48% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ontario has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 14.3x 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
Ontario — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Ontario, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Ontario | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,089.7 | +1,922.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 272.2 | +267.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.2 | +15.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 43.8 | +14.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 77.4 | +257.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 148.8 | -20.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,817.5 | +1,654.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 238.7 | +56.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,113.3 | +1,205.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 465.5 | +393.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ontario safer?
Ontario is safer with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Ontario has 272.2. Ontario 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 Ontario, CA
Ontario, California, once known for its citrus groves and "Model Colony" design, sits in the Inland Empire. This diverse city, home to over 180,000 residents, serves as a logistics hub for Southern California. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 184,763, Ontario has a total crime rate of 2,089.7 per 100,000 residents.