Is Chicago or Pepperell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pepperell is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 93/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 476 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 88% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pepperell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 220.4x 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
Pepperell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Pepperell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Pepperell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 476.2 | +3,536.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 108.6 | +431.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 8.4 | +50.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 100.3 | +28.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 367.6 | +3,104.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 91.9 | +202.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 250.6 | +2,068.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 25.1 | +833.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Pepperell safer?
Pepperell is safer with a total crime rate of 476 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Pepperell has 108.6. Pepperell 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 Pepperell, MA
Pepperell, a rural town in northern Middlesex County, was settled in 1720. Historically a farming community, it retains a quiet, wooded character along the Nashua River. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 11,970, Pepperell has a total crime rate of 476.2 per 100,000 residents.