Is Chicago or Norwood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norwood is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 79/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 880 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 78% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norwood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 83.2x 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
Norwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Norwood, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Norwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 880.0 | +3,132.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 167.2 | +372.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 3.2 | +55.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 9.5 | +325.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 154.6 | -26.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 712.8 | +2,759.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 53.6 | +241.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 545.7 | +1,773.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 113.6 | +745.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Norwood safer?
Norwood is safer with a total crime rate of 880 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 78% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Norwood has 167.2. Norwood 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 Norwood, MA
Norwood, a Middlesex County town, is home to the historic Norwood Theatre. This suburban community, once a hub for printing, lies just southwest of Boston. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 31,704, Norwood has a total crime rate of 880.0 per 100,000 residents.