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Chicago vs Palmer Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Chicago crime rate · Palmer crime rate

Moving from Chicago, IL to Palmer, MA?

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Is Chicago or Palmer Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Palmer is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 77/100 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.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?

Chicago — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Palmer — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
Safety Score 8/100
Coverage 2,638,698
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2
Category Wins 0/7

Palmer, MA

Palmer, MA
Safety Score 77/100
Coverage 12,534
Total Crime Rate 949.4
Category Wins 7/7

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.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Palmer, MA?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

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 77/100 and a population coverage of 12,534, Palmer has a total crime rate of 949.4 per 100,000 residents.

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