Is Chicago or Northampton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northampton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 49/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,717 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 Northampton has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 87.6x 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
Northampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Northampton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Northampton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,717.2 | +2,295.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 445.1 | +94.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 3.3 | +14.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 63.1 | -4.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 13.3 | +322.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 365.4 | -237.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,272.1 | +2,200.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 162.8 | +132.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,069.5 | +1,249.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 39.9 | +819.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Northampton safer?
Northampton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,717 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 Northampton has 445.1. Northampton 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 Northampton, MA
Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Northampton, MA, a vibrant college town home to Smith College, boasts a progressive culture and a high proportion of residents with advanced degrees. Its historic downtown is a hub for independent businesses and the arts. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 30,108, Northampton has a total crime rate of 1,717.2 per 100,000 residents.