Is Chicago or North Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Reading is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 93/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 88% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 159.6x 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
North Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
North Reading, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | North Reading | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 471.8 | +3,540.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 66.5 | +473.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 6.1 | +52.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 6.1 | +329.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 54.4 | +73.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 405.3 | +3,067.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 48.4 | +246.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 338.8 | +1,980.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 18.2 | +840.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or North Reading safer?
North Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while North Reading has 66.5. North Reading 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 North Reading, MA
North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 per 100,000 residents.