Is Cambridge or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cambridge is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,733 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 7% lower. Cambridge has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 199.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cambridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MD
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,733.4 | 4,012.2 | -278.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 545.3 | 539.9 | +5.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 90.9 | 58.8 | +32.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.8 | 335.3 | -153.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 272.6 | 128.3 | +144.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,188.2 | 3,472.4 | -284.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 507.4 | 294.8 | +212.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,385.5 | 2,318.8 | +66.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 295.3 | 858.9 | -563.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Chicago safer?
Cambridge is safer with a total crime rate of 3,733 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 545.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Cambridge, MD
Cambridge, the county seat of Dorchester County, is a historic port town on the Choptank River. This Eastern Shore community, home to about 13,000 residents, was a major shipbuilding center. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 13,205, Cambridge has a total crime rate of 3,733.4 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.