Is Chicago or Ventura Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ventura is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 26/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,616 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 35% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ventura has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 24.3x 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
Ventura — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Ventura, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Ventura | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,616.5 | +1,395.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 410.9 | +129.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 2.8 | +14.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 46.1 | +12.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 82.9 | +252.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 279.2 | -150.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,205.6 | +1,266.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 265.3 | +29.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,733.9 | +584.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 206.4 | +652.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ventura safer?
Ventura is safer with a total crime rate of 2,616 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Ventura has 410.9. Ventura 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 Ventura, CA
Ventura, a coastal city in Southern California, is known for its historic Mission San Buenaventura, founded in 1782. Its population is approximately 110,000, and it sits along the Pacific Ocean, offering a Mediterranean climate. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 108,543, Ventura has a total crime rate of 2,616.5 per 100,000 residents.