Is Amherst or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Amherst is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 93/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 466 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 88% lower. Amherst has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Amherst has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 57.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Amherst — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Amherst, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Amherst | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 466.5 | 4,012.2 | -3,545.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 159.8 | 539.9 | -380.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 71.3 | 58.8 | +12.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.5 | 335.3 | -328.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 82.1 | 128.3 | -46.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 306.7 | 3,472.4 | -3,165.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 34.6 | 294.8 | -260.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 263.5 | 2,318.8 | -2,055.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 8.6 | 858.9 | -850.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amherst or Chicago safer?
Amherst is safer with a total crime rate of 466 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Amherst has a violent crime rate of 159.8 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Amherst has lower violent crime.
About Amherst, MA
Amherst, Massachusetts, home to Emily Dickinson's homestead, is a college town in the Pioneer Valley. It's a predominantly white community with a significant student population. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 46,304, Amherst has a total crime rate of 466.5 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.