Naperville vs Evanston: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Naperville is 61% safer. Naperville population: 153,114. Evanston population: 76,380.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living
Cost of living data is not available for Evanston. Try the salary calculator for cities with data.
Safety: Naperville vs Evanston
Naperville is 61% safer overall, with a crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents vs Evanston's 22.2. Naperville earns a A- safety grade compared to Evanston's B-. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Naperville
Illinois
Evanston
Illinois
| Metric | Naperville | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 8.6/1K | 22.2/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 55.0 | 453.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 800.0 | 1764.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 7.4 |
| Assault Rate | 35.9 | 385.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.0 | 100.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 126.8 | 236.7 |
| Theft Rate | 584.7 | 1480.7 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 166.4 | 417.7 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Naperville, you have a 1 in 116 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 45 in Evanston.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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