Is Chicago or Wayland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wayland is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 90/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 559 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 86% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wayland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 189.0x 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
Wayland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Wayland, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Wayland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 558.8 | +3,453.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 78.8 | +461.1 |
| 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 | 78.8 | +49.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 480.0 | +2,992.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 71.6 | +223.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 394.0 | +1,924.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 14.3 | +844.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Wayland safer?
Wayland is safer with a total crime rate of 559 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Wayland has 78.8. Wayland 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 Wayland, MA
Wayland, Massachusetts, a affluent Boston suburb, is home to the historic Grout-Heard House. This Middlesex County town boasts a highly educated population and significant conservation land. With a safety score of 90/100 and a population coverage of 13,959, Wayland has a total crime rate of 558.8 per 100,000 residents.