Is Chicago or Medford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Medford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 61/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,379 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 Medford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 44.3x 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
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Medford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Medford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,379.2 | +2,633.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 179.5 | +360.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 21.8 | +37.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 23.5 | +311.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 134.2 | -5.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,199.6 | +2,272.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 77.2 | +217.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,006.7 | +1,312.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 115.8 | +743.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Medford safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,379 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 Medford has 179.5. Medford 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 Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 per 100,000 residents.