Is Billerica or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Billerica is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 92/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 513 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 87% lower. Billerica has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Billerica has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 62.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Billerica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Billerica, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Billerica | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 512.6 | 4,012.2 | -3,499.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 101.6 | 539.9 | -438.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.3 | 58.8 | -37.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.1 | 335.3 | -328.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 73.2 | 128.3 | -55.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 411.0 | 3,472.4 | -3,061.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 37.8 | 294.8 | -257.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 318.9 | 2,318.8 | -1,999.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 54.3 | 858.9 | -804.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Billerica or Chicago safer?
Billerica is safer with a total crime rate of 513 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Billerica has a violent crime rate of 101.6 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Billerica has lower violent crime.
About Billerica, MA
Billerica, a Middlesex County town, was incorporated in 1655. Situated along the Shawsheen River, it's a diverse community with a mix of residential areas and commercial zones. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 42,332, Billerica has a total crime rate of 512.6 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.