Is Chicago or Winnetka Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Winnetka is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 84/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 740 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 Winnetka has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 217.0x 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
Winnetka — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Winnetka, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Winnetka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 740.2 | +3,272.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 82.2 | +457.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 41.1 | +17.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.2 | +327.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 32.9 | +95.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 658.0 | +2,814.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 172.7 | +122.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 419.4 | +1,899.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 65.8 | +793.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Winnetka safer?
Winnetka is safer with a total crime rate of 740 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 Winnetka has 82.2. Winnetka 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 Winnetka, IL
Winnetka, an affluent North Shore suburb of Chicago, is known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes, like the iconic Crow Island School. Situated along Lake Michigan, it's home to a well-educated population with a median household income significantly above the national average. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 12,159, Winnetka has a total crime rate of 740.2 per 100,000 residents.