Is Chicago or Naperville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Naperville is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 76/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 967 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 76% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Naperville has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 17.5x 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
Naperville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Naperville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 967.3 | +3,044.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 83.7 | +456.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.7 | +16.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 29.9 | +28.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 15.3 | +320.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 37.9 | +90.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 883.6 | +2,588.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 65.8 | +229.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 755.4 | +1,563.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 62.5 | +796.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Naperville safer?
Naperville is safer with a total crime rate of 967 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Naperville has 83.7. Naperville 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 Naperville, IL
Naperville, a large Chicago suburb, is home to the Riverwalk, a scenic parkway along the DuPage River. This affluent community boasts a highly educated population and a thriving economy, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to live. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 150,521, Naperville has a total crime rate of 967.3 per 100,000 residents.