Is Chicago or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Springfield is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,728 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 7% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 40% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 17.0x 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
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,728.2 | +284.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 892.7 | -352.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 10.9 | +6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 47.0 | +11.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 209.0 | +126.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 624.5 | -496.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,835.5 | +636.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 313.8 | -19.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,856.7 | +462.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 665.0 | +193.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Springfield safer?
Springfield is safer with a total crime rate of 3,728 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. Chicago 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 Springfield, MA
Springfield, Massachusetts, a city on the Connecticut River, is the "City of Firsts," notably home to the invention of basketball. Its diverse population of over 150,000 residents reflects a rich industrial past and a vibrant present as an economic hub. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 155,491, Springfield has a total crime rate of 3,728.2 per 100,000 residents.