Is Chicago or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wakefield is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 89/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 85% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wakefield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 92.3x 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
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 584.0 | +3,428.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 174.9 | +365.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 56.0 | +2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 7.0 | +328.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 111.9 | +16.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 409.2 | +3,063.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 45.5 | +249.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 293.8 | +2,025.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 69.9 | +788.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield 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 Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.