Is Chicago or Methuen Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Methuen is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 75/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 972 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 76% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Methuen has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 48.3x 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
Methuen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Methuen, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Methuen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 972.1 | +3,040.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 175.8 | +364.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.2 | +49.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 166.6 | -38.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 796.4 | +2,676.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 47.6 | +247.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 682.9 | +1,635.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 65.9 | +793.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Methuen safer?
Methuen is safer with a total crime rate of 972 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Methuen has 175.8. Methuen 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 Methuen, MA
Methuen, Massachusetts, once a mill town known for its hat factories, lies along the Merrimack River near the New Hampshire border. Its diverse population of over 50,000 residents contributes to its suburban character. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 54,623, Methuen has a total crime rate of 972.1 per 100,000 residents.