Is Chicago or Pleasanton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pleasanton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 47/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,792 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 55% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pleasanton has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 36.1x 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
Pleasanton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Pleasanton, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Pleasanton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,791.8 | +2,220.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 115.0 | +424.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.4 | +16.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.2 | +50.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 47.9 | +287.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 57.5 | +70.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,676.8 | +1,795.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 209.4 | +85.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,238.8 | +1,080.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 228.6 | +630.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Pleasanton safer?
Pleasanton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,792 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Pleasanton has 115.0. Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, CA
Pleasanton, a historic Gold Rush-era town in the East Bay, is now a thriving suburban community of over 80,000 residents. It's known for its picturesque downtown and proximity to major tech hubs. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 73,054, Pleasanton has a total crime rate of 1,791.8 per 100,000 residents.