Is Chicago or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 23% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where San Antonio has a 68% lower rate.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,219.0 | -1,206.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 595.3 | -55.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 8.4 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 83.7 | -24.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 108.4 | +226.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 393.7 | -265.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,623.6 | -1,151.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 495.6 | -200.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,291.8 | -973.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 836.3 | +22.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or San Antonio safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.