Is Chelmsford or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 65/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 69% lower. Chelmsford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chelmsford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 71.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford, MA
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chelmsford | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,250.2 | 4,012.2 | -2,762.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 122.3 | 539.9 | -417.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 16.3 | 58.8 | -42.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 335.3 | -332.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.3 | 128.3 | -25.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,127.9 | 3,472.4 | -2,344.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.9 | 294.8 | -177.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 975.7 | 2,318.8 | -1,343.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.3 | 858.9 | -823.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelmsford or Chicago safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chelmsford has a violent crime rate of 122.3 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chelmsford has lower violent crime.
About Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 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.