Is Chicago or Napa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Napa is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 51/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,673 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 58% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Napa has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 34.3x 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
Napa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Napa, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Napa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,672.6 | +2,339.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 290.0 | +249.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 5.2 | +12.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 24.7 | +34.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 45.5 | +289.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 213.3 | -85.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,382.5 | +2,089.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 85.8 | +208.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,145.8 | +1,172.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 150.9 | +708.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Napa safer?
Napa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,673 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Napa has 290.0. Napa 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 Napa, CA
Napa, California, the heart of American winemaking since the mid-19th century, is a valley north of San Francisco. It boasts a median household income significantly higher than the state average, reflecting its affluent population. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 76,888, Napa has a total crime rate of 1,672.6 per 100,000 residents.