Is Chicago or Northfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northfield is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 56/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,502 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Northfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 125.1x 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
Northfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Northfield, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Northfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,502.4 | +2,509.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 151.7 | +388.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 33.2 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 118.5 | +9.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,350.8 | +2,121.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 104.3 | +190.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,237.0 | +1,081.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 9.5 | +849.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Northfield safer?
Northfield is safer with a total crime rate of 1,502 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Northfield has 151.7. Northfield 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 Northfield, MN
Nestled on the Cannon River, Northfield is a historic college town home to Carleton and St. Olaf colleges. Its population of around 20,000 is largely composed of academics and their families. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 21,099, Northfield has a total crime rate of 1,502.4 per 100,000 residents.