Is Chicago or Norwalk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norwalk is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 98/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 289 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 Norwalk has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 169.3x 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
Norwalk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Norwalk, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Norwalk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 288.7 | +3,723.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 109.1 | +430.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 25.7 | +33.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 83.4 | +44.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 179.6 | +3,292.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 0.0 | +294.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 179.6 | +2,139.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 0.0 | +858.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Norwalk safer?
Norwalk is safer with a total crime rate of 289 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 Norwalk has 109.1. Norwalk 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 Norwalk, IA
Nestled in Polk County, Norwalk is a growing suburban community south of Des Moines. It's home to the annual Norwalk Music Fest, celebrating local talent. The population is predominantly white, with a median age in the mid-30s. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 15,588, Norwalk has a total crime rate of 288.7 per 100,000 residents.