Is Chicago or Northboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northboro is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 99/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 200 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 95% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Northboro has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 165.2x 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
Northboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Northboro, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Northboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 200.3 | +3,811.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 12.5 | +527.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 12.5 | +115.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 187.8 | +3,284.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 12.5 | +282.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 175.3 | +2,143.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 0.0 | +858.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Northboro safer?
Northboro is safer with a total crime rate of 200 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 95% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Northboro has 12.5. Northboro 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 Northboro, MA
Northborough, MA, a Middlesex County town, was once home to the first cotton mill in the state. Today, it's a growing suburban community with a median age of around 42. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 15,975, Northboro has a total crime rate of 200.3 per 100,000 residents.