Is Chico or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chico is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,599 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 50% lower. Chico has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chico has a 76% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 15.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chico — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chico, CA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chico | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,599.4 | 5,219.0 | -2,619.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 701.2 | 595.3 | +105.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 8.4 | -6.4 |
| Rape Rate | 137.9 | 83.7 | +54.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 82.3 | 108.4 | -26.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 477.0 | 393.7 | +83.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,898.2 | 4,623.6 | -2,725.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 208.3 | 495.6 | -287.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,486.7 | 3,291.8 | -1,805.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 203.3 | 836.3 | -633.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chico or San Antonio safer?
Chico is safer with a total crime rate of 2,599 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chico has a violent crime rate of 701.2 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio has lower violent crime.
About Chico, CA
Chico, home to California State University, Chico, is a city in the Sacramento Valley. It boasts Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The city's population is around 100,000. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 100,831, Chico has a total crime rate of 2,599.4 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.