Is Chicago or Swansea Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Swansea is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 79/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 861 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 79% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Swansea has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 148.5x 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
Swansea — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Swansea, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Swansea | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 860.9 | +3,151.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 129.4 | +410.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 22.5 | +36.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 11.3 | +324.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 95.7 | +32.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 731.5 | +2,740.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 61.9 | +232.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 579.6 | +1,739.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 90.0 | +768.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Swansea safer?
Swansea is safer with a total crime rate of 861 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Swansea has 129.4. Swansea 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 Swansea, MA
Swansea, MA, settled in 1667, is a suburban town in Bristol County. Its eastern border is formed by the Taunton River, and many residents commute to Providence, RI. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 17,772, Swansea has a total crime rate of 860.9 per 100,000 residents.