Is Chicago or Sacramento Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sacramento is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,302 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 18% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sacramento has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 5.0x 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
Sacramento — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Sacramento, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,302.5 | +709.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 755.1 | -215.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 8.5 | +8.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 34.6 | +24.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 192.2 | +143.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 519.7 | -391.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,547.3 | +925.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 441.6 | -146.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,596.1 | +722.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 509.6 | +349.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Sacramento safer?
Sacramento is safer with a total crime rate of 3,302 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Sacramento has 755.1. 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 Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California's state capital, sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. A key Gold Rush city, it's known for its tree-lined streets and diverse population. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 526,670, Sacramento has a total crime rate of 3,302.5 per 100,000 residents.