Is Chicago or Dedham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dedham is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 53/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 60% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dedham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 104.1x 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
Dedham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Dedham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Dedham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,597.3 | +2,414.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 272.1 | +267.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.7 | +39.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.9 | +327.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 244.5 | -116.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,325.2 | +2,147.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 98.6 | +196.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,128.0 | +1,190.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 98.6 | +760.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Dedham safer?
Dedham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Dedham has 272.1. Dedham 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 Dedham, MA
Dedham, a town in Norfolk County south of Boston, boasts a rich history as the site of the first tax-supported public school in America. Its suburban landscape is characterized by a mix of residential areas and commercial hubs. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 25,355, Dedham has a total crime rate of 1,597.3 per 100,000 residents.