Is Chicago or Palmer Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palmer is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 76/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 949 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 76% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Palmer has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 210.5x 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
Palmer — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Palmer, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Palmer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 949.4 | +3,062.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 375.0 | +164.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 31.9 | +26.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 343.1 | -214.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 574.4 | +2,898.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 119.7 | +175.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 375.0 | +1,943.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 79.8 | +779.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Palmer safer?
Palmer is safer with a total crime rate of 949 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Palmer has 375.0. Palmer 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 Palmer, MA
Palmer, Massachusetts, a rural town in Hampden County, is known for its "Four Corners" where four distinct villages meet. Historically, it was a significant railroad hub, once home to a major roundhouse and repair shop. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 12,534, Palmer has a total crime rate of 949.4 per 100,000 residents.