Is Chicago or New Bedford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bedford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 49/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 57% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Bedford has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 25.7x 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
New Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
New Bedford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | New Bedford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,712.4 | +2,299.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 353.2 | +186.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 6.8 | +10.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 43.9 | +14.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 78.1 | +257.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 224.4 | -96.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,359.1 | +2,113.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 184.4 | +110.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 930.8 | +1,388.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 243.9 | +615.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or New Bedford safer?
New Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while New Bedford has 353.2. New Bedford 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 New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts. Its diverse population includes a significant Portuguese American community, contributing to its vibrant cultural fabric and local economy. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 102,491, New Bedford has a total crime rate of 1,712.4 per 100,000 residents.