Is Chicago or Franklin Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Franklin is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 96/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 383 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 90% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Franklin has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 78.3x 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
Franklin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Franklin, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Franklin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 382.6 | +3,629.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 94.9 | +444.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 3.0 | +55.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 3.0 | +332.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 89.0 | +39.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 287.7 | +3,184.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 41.5 | +253.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 213.6 | +2,105.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 32.6 | +826.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Franklin safer?
Franklin is safer with a total crime rate of 383 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Franklin has 94.9. Franklin 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 Franklin, MA
Franklin, Massachusetts, birthplace of Horace Mann, is a suburban town in Norfolk County with a population of over 33,000. It's home to the nation's first public library, established with a donation from Benjamin Franklin. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 33,716, Franklin has a total crime rate of 382.6 per 100,000 residents.