Is Bedford or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bedford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 93/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 457 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 89% lower. Bedford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bedford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 180.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bedford, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bedford | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 457.1 | 4,012.2 | -3,555.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 13.6 | 539.9 | -526.2 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 17.5 | -3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 58.8 | -58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 0.0 | 128.3 | -128.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 443.4 | 3,472.4 | -3,029.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 40.9 | 294.8 | -253.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 375.2 | 2,318.8 | -1,943.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 27.3 | 858.9 | -831.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford or Chicago safer?
Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 457 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 89% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bedford has a violent crime rate of 13.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bedford has lower violent crime.
About Bedford, MA
Bedford, MA, home to Hanscom Air Force Base and a significant tech industry presence, sits northwest of Boston. This Middlesex County town, a bedroom community, maintains a suburban character with a notable historical district. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 14,659, Bedford has a total crime rate of 457.1 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.