Is Chicago or Pacifica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pacifica is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 58/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 64% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pacifica has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 73.8x 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
Pacifica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Pacifica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Pacifica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,451.4 | +2,560.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 145.4 | +394.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 30.8 | +28.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.4 | +326.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 106.3 | +22.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,306.0 | +2,166.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 42.0 | +252.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,143.8 | +1,175.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 120.3 | +738.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Pacifica safer?
Pacifica is safer with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Pacifica has 145.4. Pacifica 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 Pacifica, CA
Pacifica, a coastal city south of San Francisco, is known for its beautiful beaches and foggy climate. It's home to the world's first Taco Bell, a testament to its suburban development. The city's population is diverse, with a significant Asian American community. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 35,759, Pacifica has a total crime rate of 1,451.4 per 100,000 residents.