Is Chicago or South Hadley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Hadley is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 78/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 907 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 77% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Hadley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 141.7x 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
South Hadley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
South Hadley, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | South Hadley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 907.3 | +3,105.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 193.3 | +346.6 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 5.4 | +53.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 5.4 | +329.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 182.5 | -54.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 714.0 | +2,758.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 112.7 | +182.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 553.0 | +1,765.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 48.3 | +810.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or South Hadley safer?
South Hadley is safer with a total crime rate of 907 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while South Hadley has 193.3. South Hadley 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 South Hadley, MA
South Hadley, home to Mount Holyoke College, is a picturesque town in Hampshire County. Situated along the Connecticut River, its population is around 18,000. With a safety score of 78/100 and a population coverage of 18,627, South Hadley has a total crime rate of 907.3 per 100,000 residents.