Is Bellingham or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellingham is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 69% lower. Bellingham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bellingham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 145.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellingham, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellingham | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,259.7 | 4,012.2 | -2,752.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 215.5 | 539.9 | -324.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 58.8 | -14.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 335.3 | -313.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.2 | 128.3 | +20.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,044.3 | 3,472.4 | -2,428.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 66.3 | 294.8 | -228.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 917.2 | 2,318.8 | -1,401.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.8 | 858.9 | -798.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham or Chicago safer?
Bellingham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellingham has a violent crime rate of 215.5 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bellingham has lower violent crime.
About Bellingham, MA
Bellingham, Massachusetts, a suburban town in southeastern Worcester County, was incorporated in 1719. It's home to roughly 19,000 residents and features a mix of residential areas and commercial zones along Route 126. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 18,099, Bellingham has a total crime rate of 1,259.7 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.