Is Biddeford or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Biddeford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,662 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 34% lower. Biddeford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Biddeford has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 118.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Biddeford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Biddeford, ME
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Biddeford | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,662.5 | 4,012.2 | -1,349.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 313.8 | 539.9 | -226.1 |
| Murder Rate | 9.0 | 17.5 | -8.5 |
| Rape Rate | 67.2 | 58.8 | +8.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.9 | 335.3 | -299.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 201.7 | 128.3 | +73.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,348.7 | 3,472.4 | -1,123.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 98.6 | 294.8 | -196.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,147.0 | 2,318.8 | -171.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.1 | 858.9 | -755.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biddeford or Chicago safer?
Biddeford is safer with a total crime rate of 2,662 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Biddeford has a violent crime rate of 313.8 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Biddeford has lower violent crime.
About Biddeford, ME
Biddeford, a former mill town on the Saco River, showcases a vibrant arts scene amidst historic brick architecture. Roughly 22,000 residents inhabit this southern Maine city, with a notable Franco-American heritage. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 22,310, Biddeford has a total crime rate of 2,662.5 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.