Is Chicago or Middleton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Middleton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 95/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 425 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 89% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Middleton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 260.9x 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
Middleton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Middleton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Middleton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 425.1 | +3,587.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 89.0 | +450.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 19.8 | +39.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 69.2 | +59.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 336.1 | +3,136.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 49.4 | +245.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 227.4 | +2,091.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 59.3 | +799.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Middleton safer?
Middleton is safer with a total crime rate of 425 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 89% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Middleton has 89.0. Middleton 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 Middleton, MA
Middleton, MA, a town incorporated in 1728, is a small, primarily residential community in Essex County. Its population of around 10,000 residents enjoys a suburban setting with significant undeveloped land. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 10,115, Middleton has a total crime rate of 425.1 per 100,000 residents.