Is Chicago or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Richmond is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,685 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 8% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Richmond has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 23.3x 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
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Richmond, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,685.5 | +326.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 923.1 | -383.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.9 | +9.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 21.2 | +37.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 231.0 | +104.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 663.0 | -534.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,762.4 | +710.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 128.7 | +166.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,653.2 | +665.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 980.4 | -121.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Richmond safer?
Richmond is safer with a total crime rate of 3,685 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Richmond has 923.1. 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 Richmond, CA
Richmond, California, a Bay Area city with a deep industrial past, was home to a major Kaiser Shipyard during WWII. This diverse city on the San Francisco Bay has a significant Black population, reflecting its wartime boom. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 113,418, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,685.5 per 100,000 residents.