Is Chicago or Webster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Webster is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 59/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,438 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 64% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Webster has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 147.6x 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
Webster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Webster, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Webster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,437.7 | +2,574.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 637.7 | -97.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 55.9 | +2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 16.8 | +318.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 565.0 | -436.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 800.0 | +2,672.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 106.3 | +188.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 593.0 | +1,725.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 100.7 | +758.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Webster safer?
Webster is safer with a total crime rate of 1,438 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Webster has 637.7. 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 Webster, MA
Webster, Massachusetts, a town in Worcester County, is home to Lake Chaubunagungamaug, known for its exceptionally long name. This small mill town, with a population around 17,000, sits near the Connecticut border. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 17,876, Webster has a total crime rate of 1,437.7 per 100,000 residents.