Is Charlton or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charlton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 94/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 453 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 89% lower. Charlton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charlton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 193.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charlton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlton, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlton | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 453.5 | 4,012.2 | -3,558.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 117.0 | 539.9 | -422.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 14.6 | 58.8 | -44.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 335.3 | -335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 102.4 | 128.3 | -25.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 336.5 | 3,472.4 | -3,135.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 58.5 | 294.8 | -236.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 219.4 | 2,318.8 | -2,099.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 58.5 | 858.9 | -800.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlton or Chicago safer?
Charlton is safer with a total crime rate of 453 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 89% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlton has a violent crime rate of 117.0 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Charlton has lower violent crime.
About Charlton, MA
Charlton, Massachusetts, a rural town in Worcester County, is home to a portion of the historic Old Sturbridge Village. Its forested landscape and low population density define much of its character. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 13,672, Charlton has a total crime rate of 453.5 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.