Is Chelmsford or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than New York City (Safety Score 65/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 59% 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: New York City is 225.6x 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
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford, MA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chelmsford | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,250.2 | 3,039.7 | -1,789.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 122.3 | 671.4 | -549.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 16.3 | 23.4 | -7.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 187.5 | -184.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.3 | 456.2 | -353.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,127.9 | 2,368.3 | -1,240.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.9 | 154.7 | -37.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 975.7 | 2,015.0 | -1,039.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.3 | 198.5 | -163.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelmsford or New York City safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chelmsford has a violent crime rate of 122.3 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. 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 New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.