Is North Chicago or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Chicago is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 83/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 742 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 64% 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: San Diego is 45.8x 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
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Chicago, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Chicago | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 742.1 | 2,082.4 | -1,340.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 178.1 | 412.4 | -234.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 16.5 | 21.4 | -4.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.5 | 77.4 | -60.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 145.1 | 310.9 | -165.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 564.0 | 1,670.0 | -1,106.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 56.1 | 187.4 | -131.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 336.4 | 1,087.1 | -750.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 171.5 | 395.5 | -224.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Chicago or San Diego safer?
North Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 742 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Chicago has a violent crime rate of 178.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. 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 San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.