Is Chicago or West Sacramento Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Sacramento is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 51/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,663 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 59% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Sacramento has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 46.7x 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
West Sacramento — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
West Sacramento, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | West Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,662.7 | +2,349.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 293.6 | +246.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.5 | +13.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 23.0 | +35.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 79.6 | +255.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 187.5 | -59.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,369.0 | +2,103.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 224.6 | +70.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 866.7 | +1,452.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 277.7 | +581.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or West Sacramento safer?
West Sacramento is safer with a total crime rate of 1,663 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while West Sacramento has 293.6. West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento, CA
West Sacramento, once a bustling port town on the Sacramento River, is a diverse city in Yolo County. It's home to a significant industrial base and a growing population, many of whom commute to Sacramento for work. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 56,536, West Sacramento has a total crime rate of 1,662.7 per 100,000 residents.