Is Chicago or Orange Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Orange is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 56/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,515 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 62% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Orange has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 19.1x 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
Orange — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Orange, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Orange | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,514.8 | +2,497.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 226.9 | +313.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 12.3 | +46.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 76.8 | +258.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 137.0 | -8.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,288.0 | +2,184.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 357.3 | -62.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 703.1 | +1,615.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 227.6 | +631.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Orange safer?
Orange is safer with a total crime rate of 1,515 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Orange has 226.9. Orange 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 Orange, CA
Orange, California, a city in Orange County, is home to Chapman University and boasts a historic Old Town Plaza. Positioned in Southern California, it features a diverse suburban population. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 137,970, Orange has a total crime rate of 1,514.8 per 100,000 residents.