Is Chicago or Dartmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dartmouth is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 62/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,345 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 66% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dartmouth has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 75.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dartmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Dartmouth, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Dartmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,345.1 | +2,667.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 250.1 | +289.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 28.7 | +30.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 20.1 | +315.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 201.2 | -72.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,095.1 | +2,377.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 71.9 | +222.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 977.2 | +1,341.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 46.0 | +812.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Dartmouth safer?
Dartmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 1,345 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Dartmouth has 250.1. Dartmouth has lower violent crime.
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.
About Dartmouth, MA
Dartmouth, Massachusetts, a coastal town settled in 1652, features a mix of historic villages and modern developments. Its southern border lies along Buzzards Bay, and the population is around 34,000. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 34,792, Dartmouth has a total crime rate of 1,345.1 per 100,000 residents.