Is Cambridge or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cambridge is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 48/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,759 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 56% lower. Cambridge has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cambridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 244.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cambridge — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cambridge, MN
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cambridge | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,758.9 | 4,012.2 | -2,253.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 64.8 | 539.9 | -475.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 9.3 | 58.8 | -49.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.3 | 335.3 | -326.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 46.3 | 128.3 | -82.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,694.1 | 3,472.4 | -1,778.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 18.5 | 294.8 | -276.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,629.3 | 2,318.8 | -689.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 46.3 | 858.9 | -812.6 |
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 1,759 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 64.8 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Cambridge has lower violent crime.
About Cambridge, MN
Cambridge, Minnesota, is a city in Isanti County, part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Settled by Swedish immigrants, it retains a strong Scandinavian heritage and a population of around 10,000 residents. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 10,802, Cambridge has a total crime rate of 1,758.9 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.