Is Auburn or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Auburn has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 154.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,565.2 | 4,012.2 | -2,447.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 408.8 | 539.9 | -131.0 |
| Murder Rate | 23.4 | 17.5 | +5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 29.2 | 58.8 | -29.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 29.2 | 335.3 | -306.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 327.1 | 128.3 | +198.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,156.4 | 3,472.4 | -2,316.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 122.7 | 294.8 | -172.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 928.6 | 2,318.8 | -1,390.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 105.1 | 858.9 | -753.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Chicago safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 408.8 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, MA
Auburn, MA, a town of over 16,000 residents bordering Worcester, is known for its historic Goddard Rocket Replica, honoring Robert H. Goddard's pioneering work. Its suburban landscape is characterized by residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 17,122, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,565.2 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.