Is Chicago or Malden Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Malden is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 57/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,472 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 63% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Malden has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 40.0x 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
Malden — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Malden, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Malden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,471.7 | +2,540.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 292.2 | +247.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 15.1 | +43.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 39.4 | +295.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 237.7 | -109.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,179.5 | +2,292.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 121.1 | +173.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 888.8 | +1,430.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 169.6 | +689.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Malden safer?
Malden is safer with a total crime rate of 1,472 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Malden has 292.2. Malden 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 Malden, MA
Malden, a diverse city north of Boston, boasts a rich history as home to the first public high school in the United States. Its dense population and urban feel contribute to a dynamic community with varied socioeconomic backgrounds. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 66,046, Malden has a total crime rate of 1,471.7 per 100,000 residents.