Is North Chicago or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Chicago is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 83/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 742 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 86% lower. North Chicago has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Chicago has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 51.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Chicago — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Chicago, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Chicago | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 742.1 | 5,458.5 | -4,716.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 178.1 | 910.3 | -732.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 16.5 | 46.1 | -29.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.5 | 273.2 | -256.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 145.1 | 572.5 | -427.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 564.0 | 4,548.2 | -3,984.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 56.1 | 319.0 | -262.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 336.4 | 3,223.6 | -2,887.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 171.5 | 1,005.6 | -834.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Chicago or Philadelphia safer?
North Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 742 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Chicago has a violent crime rate of 178.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. North Chicago has lower violent crime.
About North Chicago, IL
North Chicago, Illinois, is a Lake County community that was once home to the American Steel Foundries. Situated along Lake Michigan, it has a diverse population. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 30,318, North Chicago has a total crime rate of 742.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.