Is Chicago or Pasadena Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pasadena is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,919 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 27% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Pasadena has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 18.2x 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
Pasadena — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Pasadena, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Pasadena | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,918.8 | +1,093.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 566.8 | -27.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.1 | +13.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 69.6 | -10.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 73.7 | +261.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 418.7 | -290.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,351.9 | +1,120.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 252.1 | +42.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,677.7 | +641.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 422.2 | +436.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Pasadena safer?
Pasadena is safer with a total crime rate of 2,919 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Pasadena has 566.8. 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 Pasadena, TX
Pasadena, Texas, founded in 1893 after a devastating hurricane, sits southeast of Houston. This large, working-class suburb is a hub for chemical and petrochemical industries along the Houston Ship Channel. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 145,199, Pasadena has a total crime rate of 2,918.8 per 100,000 residents.