Is Chicago or Palm Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palm Springs is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 10/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,821 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 5% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Palm Springs has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 58.1x 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
Palm Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Palm Springs, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Palm Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,821.1 | +191.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 607.9 | -68.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 11.0 | +6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 68.3 | -9.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 147.6 | +187.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 376.6 | -248.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,213.2 | +259.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 385.4 | -90.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,354.3 | -35.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 473.5 | +385.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Palm Springs safer?
Palm Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 3,821 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Palm Springs has 607.9. Chicago 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 Palm Springs, CA
Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is an iconic desert resort known for its mid-century modern architecture and as a playground for Hollywood's elite. Its population swells seasonally, attracting snowbirds and tourists seeking warm weather and leisure. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 45,406, Palm Springs has a total crime rate of 3,821.1 per 100,000 residents.