Is Chicago or North Branch Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Branch is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 98/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 264 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 93% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Branch has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 217.4x 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
North Branch — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
North Branch, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | North Branch | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 263.7 | +3,748.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 107.1 | +432.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 16.5 | +42.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 90.6 | +37.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 156.6 | +3,315.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 33.0 | +261.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 115.4 | +2,203.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 8.2 | +850.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or North Branch safer?
North Branch is safer with a total crime rate of 264 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 93% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while North Branch has 107.1. North Branch 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 North Branch, MN
North Branch, Minnesota, a city in Chisago County, boasts a rich history as a former logging community. Its population of over 11,000 residents enjoys a suburban lifestyle situated along I-35. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 12,137, North Branch has a total crime rate of 263.7 per 100,000 residents.