Is Chicago or Needham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Needham is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 85/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 699 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 83% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Needham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 80.5x 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
Needham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Needham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Needham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 698.6 | +3,313.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 51.9 | +488.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 12.2 | +46.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 39.7 | +88.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 646.8 | +2,825.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 73.2 | +221.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 536.9 | +1,781.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 36.6 | +822.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Needham safer?
Needham is safer with a total crime rate of 699 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Needham has 51.9. Needham 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 Needham, MA
Needham, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to the first-ever American-made baseball. Located just west of Boston, it boasts a highly educated population and a charming town center. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,779, Needham has a total crime rate of 698.6 per 100,000 residents.