Is Chicago or Novato Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Novato is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 52/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,608 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 60% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Novato has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 51.5x 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
Novato — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Novato, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Novato | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,607.6 | +2,404.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 253.6 | +286.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 33.2 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 46.8 | +288.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 173.6 | -45.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,353.9 | +2,118.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 78.0 | +216.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,114.0 | +1,204.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 161.9 | +696.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Novato safer?
Novato is safer with a total crime rate of 1,608 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Novato has 253.6. Novato 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 Novato, CA
Novato, a Marin County city, was once home to Hamilton Air Force Base. Today, its diverse population of over 50,000 resides in a landscape dotted with wetlands and rolling hills. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 51,258, Novato has a total crime rate of 1,607.6 per 100,000 residents.