Is Chicago or Santa Monica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Santa Monica (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,573 for Santa Monica — 28% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Monica has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 29.7x 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
Santa Monica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Santa Monica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,572.9 | -1,560.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 782.5 | -242.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 4.5 | +13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 72.0 | -13.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 202.4 | +132.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 499.2 | -370.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,790.4 | -1,318.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 848.8 | -554.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,382.9 | -1,064.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 558.8 | +300.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Santa Monica safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,573 for Santa Monica — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Santa Monica has 782.5. 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 Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its iconic pier and vibrant tourism. Its beaches and Pacific Ocean proximity draw a diverse population, including many young professionals and families. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 88,948, Santa Monica has a total crime rate of 5,572.9 per 100,000 residents.