Is Chicago or Northbrook Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northbrook is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 66/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,226 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 69% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Northbrook has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 78.5x 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
Northbrook — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Northbrook, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Northbrook | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,225.8 | +2,786.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 17.9 | +522.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 11.9 | +46.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 6.0 | +122.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,208.0 | +2,264.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 333.2 | -38.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 812.3 | +1,506.5 |
| 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 Northbrook safer?
Northbrook is safer with a total crime rate of 1,226 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Northbrook has 17.9. Northbrook 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 Northbrook, IL
Northbrook, a affluent Chicago suburb, is home to the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, a historic outdoor cycling track. Situated primarily within Cook County, its residents enjoy a high median household income. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 33,610, Northbrook has a total crime rate of 1,225.8 per 100,000 residents.