Is Arlington or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arlington is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 92/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 490 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 88% lower. Arlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 56.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arlington, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arlington | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 489.8 | 4,012.2 | -3,522.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 55.4 | 539.9 | -484.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 10.7 | 58.8 | -48.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 44.7 | 128.3 | -83.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 434.5 | 3,472.4 | -3,037.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 59.6 | 294.8 | -235.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 338.6 | 2,318.8 | -1,980.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.2 | 858.9 | -822.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Chicago safer?
Arlington is safer with a total crime rate of 490 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arlington has a violent crime rate of 55.4 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Arlington has lower violent crime.
About Arlington, MA
Arlington, MA, a historic suburb northwest of Boston, was once home to Uncle Sam. This densely populated town of over 46,000 residents features a mix of residential areas and commercial centers along Massachusetts Avenue. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 46,956, Arlington has a total crime rate of 489.8 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.