Is Chicago or Wellesley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wellesley is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 91/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 532 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 87% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wellesley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 82.5x 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
Wellesley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Wellesley, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Wellesley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 531.7 | +3,480.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 46.9 | +492.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 9.4 | +49.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 37.5 | +90.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 484.8 | +2,987.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 65.7 | +229.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 378.4 | +1,940.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 40.7 | +818.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Wellesley safer?
Wellesley is safer with a total crime rate of 532 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Wellesley has 46.9. Wellesley 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 Wellesley, MA
Wellesley, a affluent Boston suburb known for Wellesley College, occupies a tree-lined landscape with a median household income exceeding $200,000. Its population of around 29,000 residents reflects a highly educated community, with over 80% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 31,973, Wellesley has a total crime rate of 531.7 per 100,000 residents.