Is Chicago or North Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Chicago is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 83/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 742 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 82% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Chicago has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 87.0x 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 Chicago — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
North Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | North Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 742.1 | +3,270.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 178.1 | +361.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 16.5 | +42.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.5 | +318.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 145.1 | -16.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 564.0 | +2,908.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 56.1 | +238.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 336.4 | +1,982.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 171.5 | +687.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or North Chicago safer?
North Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 742 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while North Chicago has 178.1. North 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 North Chicago, IL
North Chicago, Illinois, is a Lake County community that was once home to the American Steel Foundries. Situated along Lake Michigan, it has a diverse population. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 30,318, North Chicago has a total crime rate of 742.1 per 100,000 residents.