Is Chicago or Paso Robles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Paso Robles is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,221 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 45% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Paso Robles has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 85.1x 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
Paso Robles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Paso Robles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Paso Robles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,221.3 | +1,791.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 364.3 | +175.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 64.5 | -5.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 35.5 | +299.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 264.4 | -136.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,857.0 | +1,615.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 151.5 | +143.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,602.3 | +716.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 103.2 | +755.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Paso Robles safer?
Paso Robles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,221 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Paso Robles has 364.3. Paso Robles 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 Paso Robles, CA
Paso Robles, a town known for its hot springs since the Salinan people, lies in California's Central Coast region. Its population of around 32,000 residents contributes to a growing wine industry. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 31,018, Paso Robles has a total crime rate of 2,221.3 per 100,000 residents.