Is Chicago or Gloucester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gloucester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 80/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 830 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gloucester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 86.2x 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
Gloucester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Gloucester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Gloucester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 830.1 | +3,182.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 277.8 | +262.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 36.0 | +22.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 3.3 | +332.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 238.6 | -110.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 552.3 | +2,920.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 98.0 | +196.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 415.1 | +1,903.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 39.2 | +819.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Gloucester safer?
Gloucester is safer with a total crime rate of 830 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Gloucester has 277.8. Gloucester 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 Gloucester, MA
Gloucester, Massachusetts, a historic fishing port on Cape Ann, is home to the iconic "Man at the Wheel" statue. This city of roughly 30,000 residents boasts a significant Portuguese-American population. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 30,599, Gloucester has a total crime rate of 830.1 per 100,000 residents.