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Chicago, IL vs Spencer, MA Crime Comparison

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

Full report: Chicago crime rate · Spencer crime rate

Moving from Chicago, IL to Spencer, MA?

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Is Chicago, IL or Spencer, MA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Spencer, MA is safer than Chicago, IL (Safety Score 97/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 363 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago, IL — 91% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Spencer has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Chicago is 217.5x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?

Chicago — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Spencer — 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

Spencer, MA

Spencer, MA
Safety Score 97/100
Coverage 12,130
Total Crime Rate 362.7
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Chicago Spencer Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2 362.7 +3,649.5
Violent Crime Rate 539.9 82.4 +457.4
Murder Rate 17.5 0.0 +17.5
Rape Rate 58.8 0.0 +58.8
Robbery Rate 335.3 0.0 +335.3
Aggravated Assault Rate 128.3 82.4 +45.9
Property Crime Rate 3,472.4 280.3 +3,192.1
Burglary Rate 294.8 24.7 +270.0
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,318.8 181.4 +2,137.4
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 858.9 74.2 +784.7

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Spencer, 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 Spencer safer?

Spencer, MA is safer with a total crime rate of 363 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago, IL — a 91% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Spencer has 82.4. Spencer 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 Spencer, MA

Spencer, a central Massachusetts town, is home to the historic Howe family, inventors of the sewing machine. Situated on the Seven Hills, it features a diverse population of just over 11,000 residents. With a safety score of 97/100 and a population coverage of 12,130, Spencer has a total crime rate of 362.7 per 100,000 residents.

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