Is Acton or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Acton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 95/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 416 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 90% lower. Acton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Acton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 107.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Acton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Acton, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Acton | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 416.2 | 4,012.2 | -3,596.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 65.3 | 539.9 | -474.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.1 | 17.5 | -13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 58.8 | -46.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 49.0 | 128.3 | -79.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 350.9 | 3,472.4 | -3,121.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.5 | 294.8 | -217.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 261.2 | 2,318.8 | -2,057.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 12.2 | 858.9 | -846.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acton or Chicago safer?
Acton is safer with a total crime rate of 416 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Acton has a violent crime rate of 65.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Acton has lower violent crime.
About Acton, MA
Acton, a Middlesex County town established in 1735, boasts a rich history including Minutemen participation. Located about 20 miles west-northwest of Boston, it is primarily residential with a highly educated population. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 24,506, Acton has a total crime rate of 416.2 per 100,000 residents.
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.