Is Chicago or San Leandro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than San Leandro (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,472 for San Leandro — 10% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Leandro has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 31.3x 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
San Leandro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
San Leandro, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | San Leandro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,471.5 | -459.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 548.7 | -8.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.8 | +12.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.0 | +39.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 280.3 | +55.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 244.7 | -116.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,922.8 | -450.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 574.8 | -280.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,134.2 | +184.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 1,213.8 | -354.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or San Leandro safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,472 for San Leandro — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while San Leandro has 548.7. 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 Leandro, CA
San Leandro, a diverse East Bay city, once housed a thriving cherry industry. It sits along the San Francisco Bay, with a significant Hispanic and Asian population. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 84,200, San Leandro has a total crime rate of 4,471.5 per 100,000 residents.