Is Chicago or Santa Clara Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Clara is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,684 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 33% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Clara has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 20.0x 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
Santa Clara — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Santa Clara, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Santa Clara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,683.8 | +1,328.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 182.0 | +357.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 1.5 | +16.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.7 | +39.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 57.6 | +277.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 103.1 | +25.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,501.9 | +970.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 337.4 | -42.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,771.0 | +547.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 393.5 | +465.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Santa Clara safer?
Santa Clara is safer with a total crime rate of 2,684 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Santa Clara has 182.0. Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara, home to Levi's Stadium, is a Silicon Valley city in Santa Clara County. It's a key tech hub with a diverse, educated population and a significant presence of professionals in the STEM fields. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 131,901, Santa Clara has a total crime rate of 2,683.8 per 100,000 residents.