Is Chicago or Norwell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norwell is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 91/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 531 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 87% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norwell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 229.5x 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
Norwell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Norwell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Norwell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 530.5 | +3,481.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 52.2 | +487.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 17.4 | +317.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 34.8 | +93.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 478.3 | +2,994.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 52.2 | +242.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 400.1 | +1,918.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 26.1 | +832.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Norwell safer?
Norwell is safer with a total crime rate of 531 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Norwell has 52.2. Norwell 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 Norwell, MA
Norwell, Massachusetts, a picturesque South Shore town, was historically known for its shipbuilding industry along the North River. This affluent community, predominantly residential, boasts a median household income significantly above the state average. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 11,498, Norwell has a total crime rate of 530.5 per 100,000 residents.