Is Chicago or Orinda Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Orinda is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 77/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 937 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 77% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Orinda has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 136.6x 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
Orinda — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Orinda, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Orinda | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 937.1 | +3,075.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 57.0 | +482.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.2 | +12.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 5.2 | +53.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 25.9 | +309.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 20.7 | +107.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 880.2 | +2,592.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 150.2 | +144.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 647.2 | +1,671.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 82.8 | +776.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Orinda safer?
Orinda is safer with a total crime rate of 937 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Orinda has 57.0. Orinda 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 Orinda, CA
Nestled in the Berkeley Hills, Orinda is an affluent Contra Costa County suburb known for its top-rated schools and a strong sense of community. Its picturesque, tree-lined streets and large homes reflect a history as a serene, family-oriented haven. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 19,314, Orinda has a total crime rate of 937.1 per 100,000 residents.