Is Chicago or Norfolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago is safer than Norfolk (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk — 5% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norfolk has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 11.4x 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
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Norfolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Norfolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 4,242.0 | -229.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 469.5 | +70.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 16.1 | +1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 40.4 | +18.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 77.2 | +258.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 335.9 | -207.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 3,772.5 | -300.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 254.3 | +40.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 3,122.9 | -804.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 395.3 | +463.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Norfolk safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Norfolk has 469.5. Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA
Norfolk, a historic port city in Southeast Virginia, is home to the world's largest naval base. Its waterfront location at the mouth of the Elizabeth River shapes its identity and economy, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 230,460, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 4,242.0 per 100,000 residents.