Is Chicago or Gretna Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Gretna (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,229 for Gretna — 5% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Gretna has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 157.2x 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
Gretna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Gretna, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Gretna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,229.2 | -217.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 428.9 | +111.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 11.9 | +5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 23.8 | +35.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 53.6 | +281.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 339.5 | -211.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,800.3 | -327.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 345.5 | -50.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,121.3 | -802.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 333.6 | +525.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Gretna safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,229 for Gretna — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Gretna has 428.9. Gretna 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 Gretna, LA
Gretna, Louisiana, the parish seat of Jefferson Parish, sits on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Historically, it was a major railroad hub, including the Texas and Pacific Railway. Its population is diverse, reflecting various ethnic backgrounds. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 16,788, Gretna has a total crime rate of 4,229.2 per 100,000 residents.