Is Chicago or South San Francisco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South San Francisco is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 45/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,859 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 54% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South San Francisco has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 42.4x 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
South San Francisco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
South San Francisco, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | South San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,859.3 | +2,153.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 300.5 | +239.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 22.5 | +36.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 35.4 | +299.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 242.7 | -114.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,558.8 | +1,913.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 102.9 | +191.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,107.2 | +1,211.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 348.7 | +510.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or South San Francisco safer?
South San Francisco is safer with a total crime rate of 1,859 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while South San Francisco has 300.5. South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco, once "The Industrial City," is a diverse Bay Area city located just north of San Francisco International Airport. Its waterfront location and proximity to major biotech firms define much of its character. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 62,229, South San Francisco has a total crime rate of 1,859.3 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Chicago
Compare South San Francisco
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