Is Chicago or Westborough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westborough is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 73/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,027 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 74% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westborough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 116.8x 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
Westborough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Westborough, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Westborough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,027.0 | +2,985.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 225.8 | +314.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 70.8 | -12.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 8.9 | +326.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 146.1 | -17.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 801.2 | +2,671.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 101.8 | +193.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 628.6 | +1,690.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 70.8 | +788.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Westborough safer?
Westborough is safer with a total crime rate of 1,027 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Westborough has 225.8. Westborough 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 Westborough, MA
Westborough, Massachusetts, a Middlesex Canal town, sits at the intersection of I-90 and I-495, boasting a highly educated population. Its historic town common reflects its New England heritage. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 22,591, Westborough has a total crime rate of 1,027.0 per 100,000 residents.