Is Brunswick or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brunswick is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 68% lower. Brunswick has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brunswick has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 116.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brunswick — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brunswick, ME
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brunswick | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,266.4 | 4,012.2 | -2,745.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 75.0 | 539.9 | -464.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 58.8 | -32.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 4.4 | 335.3 | -330.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.7 | 128.3 | -88.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,191.4 | 3,472.4 | -2,281.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 35.3 | 294.8 | -259.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,103.2 | 2,318.8 | -1,215.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 53.0 | 858.9 | -805.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunswick or Chicago safer?
Brunswick is safer with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brunswick has a violent crime rate of 75.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Brunswick has lower violent crime.
About Brunswick, ME
Brunswick, Maine, a coastal town on the Androscoggin River, is home to Bowdoin College, a liberal arts institution founded in 1794. Its population of around 22,000 enjoys a blend of historic charm and natural beauty. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 22,662, Brunswick has a total crime rate of 1,266.4 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.