Is Chicago or San Rafael Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Rafael is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 19/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 25% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Rafael has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 44.7x 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 Rafael — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
San Rafael, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | San Rafael | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,015.1 | +997.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 559.0 | -19.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.7 | +15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 50.8 | +8.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 149.1 | +186.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 357.4 | -229.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,456.1 | +1,016.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 264.2 | +30.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,770.1 | +548.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 421.8 | +437.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or San Rafael safer?
San Rafael is safer with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while San Rafael has 559.0. 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 Rafael, CA
Nestled in Marin County, San Rafael is a Bay Area city with a rich history, home to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, one of California's original missions. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents reflects a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 59,037, San Rafael has a total crime rate of 3,015.1 per 100,000 residents.