Is Chicago or National City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, National City is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 26/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 34% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where National City has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 48.1x 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
National City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
National City, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | National City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,635.0 | +1,377.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 695.6 | -155.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.3 | +10.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 29.1 | +29.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 222.2 | +113.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 437.0 | -308.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,939.4 | +1,533.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 242.2 | +52.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,039.8 | +1,279.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 657.4 | +201.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or National City safer?
National City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while National City has 695.6. Chicago 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 National City, CA
National City, San Diego County's second-oldest city, boasts a historic mile-long pier. This diverse South Bay community, bordering San Diego, is home to a significant Filipino population. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 54,915, National City has a total crime rate of 2,635.0 per 100,000 residents.