Is Chicago or Melrose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Melrose is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 91/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 530 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 87% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Melrose has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 88.6x 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
Melrose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Melrose, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Melrose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 530.5 | +3,481.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 100.7 | +439.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 13.4 | +321.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 87.3 | +41.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 429.8 | +3,042.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 40.3 | +254.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 335.8 | +1,983.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 53.7 | +805.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Melrose safer?
Melrose is safer with a total crime rate of 530 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Melrose has 100.7. Melrose 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 Melrose, MA
Melrose is a small, affluent city north of Boston, known for its Victorian architecture. Bordered by the Middlesex Fells Reservation, it offers a suburban feel with easy access to urban amenities. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 29,784, Melrose has a total crime rate of 530.5 per 100,000 residents.