Is Chicago or Petaluma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Petaluma is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 58/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,445 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 Petaluma has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 45.1x 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
Petaluma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Petaluma, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Petaluma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,444.6 | +2,567.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 271.8 | +268.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 44.5 | +14.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 44.5 | +290.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 182.9 | -54.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,172.8 | +2,299.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 95.7 | +199.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 976.2 | +1,342.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 100.9 | +758.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Petaluma safer?
Petaluma is safer with a total crime rate of 1,445 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 Petaluma has 271.8. Petaluma 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 Petaluma, CA
Nestled in Sonoma County, Petaluma is a historic dairy town known for its well-preserved iron-front buildings and a population of around 60,000. It straddles the Petaluma River, flowing into San Pablo Bay. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 58,493, Petaluma has a total crime rate of 1,444.6 per 100,000 residents.