Is Chicago or Piedmont Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Piedmont is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,469 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 14% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Piedmont has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 252.9x 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
Piedmont — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Piedmont, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Piedmont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,469.1 | +543.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 67.1 | +472.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.6 | +49.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 38.3 | +297.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 19.2 | +109.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,402.0 | +70.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 747.5 | -452.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,974.1 | +344.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 680.4 | +178.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Piedmont safer?
Piedmont is safer with a total crime rate of 3,469 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Piedmont has 67.1. Piedmont 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 Piedmont, CA
Piedmont, an affluent East Bay enclave, is known for its grand homes and tree-lined streets, incorporating five distinct "parks." It maintains its own school district, separate from neighboring Oakland. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 10,435, Piedmont has a total crime rate of 3,469.1 per 100,000 residents.