Is Chicago or Stockton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Stockton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 10/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,786 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 6% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 8.3x 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
Stockton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Stockton, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Stockton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,785.7 | +226.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,146.2 | -606.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 16.0 | +1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.4 | +18.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 336.3 | -1.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 753.1 | -624.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,639.6 | +832.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 562.3 | -267.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,472.1 | +846.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 605.2 | +253.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Stockton safer?
Stockton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,786 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Stockton has 1,146.2. 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 Stockton, CA
Stockton, a city in California's Central Valley, was once a thriving port during the Gold Rush. It's the county seat of San Joaquin County, known for its diverse population and agricultural surroundings. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 319,069, Stockton has a total crime rate of 3,785.7 per 100,000 residents.