Is Bellwood or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellwood is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 56/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,509 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 62% lower. Bellwood has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bellwood has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 149.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellwood, IL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellwood | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,509.4 | 4,012.2 | -2,502.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 312.1 | 539.9 | -227.8 |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 17.5 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 22.7 | 58.8 | -36.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 102.1 | 335.3 | -233.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 170.2 | 128.3 | +41.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,197.3 | 3,472.4 | -2,275.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 283.7 | 294.8 | -11.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 635.5 | 2,318.8 | -1,683.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 278.1 | 858.9 | -580.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellwood or Chicago safer?
Bellwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,509 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellwood has a violent crime rate of 312.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Bellwood has lower violent crime.
About Bellwood, IL
Bellwood, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, is historically known for its strong industrial past, including a substantial presence of manufacturing. The village is home to a diverse population, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 17,623, Bellwood has a total crime rate of 1,509.4 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.