Is Belchertown or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Belchertown is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 84/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 730 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 82% lower. Belchertown has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Belchertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 172.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Belchertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Belchertown, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Belchertown | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 730.2 | 4,012.2 | -3,282.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 208.6 | 539.9 | -331.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.6 | 58.8 | -39.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.6 | 335.3 | -315.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 169.5 | 128.3 | +41.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 521.6 | 3,472.4 | -2,950.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 65.2 | 294.8 | -229.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 378.1 | 2,318.8 | -1,940.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 78.2 | 858.9 | -780.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belchertown or Chicago safer?
Belchertown is safer with a total crime rate of 730 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Belchertown has a violent crime rate of 208.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Belchertown has lower violent crime.
About Belchertown, MA
Belchertown, a Hampden County town, features the historic Quabbin Reservoir, once the site of four disincorporated towns. Its landscape is characterized by rolling hills and residential areas. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 15,339, Belchertown has a total crime rate of 730.2 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.