Is Chicago or Westford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westford is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 95/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 405 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 90% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 105.8x 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
Westford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Westford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Westford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 404.9 | +3,607.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 68.2 | +471.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 12.0 | +46.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 56.1 | +72.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 336.7 | +3,135.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 36.1 | +258.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 268.6 | +2,050.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 32.1 | +826.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Westford safer?
Westford is safer with a total crime rate of 405 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Westford has 68.2. Westford 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 Westford, MA
Westford, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town, was once a major granite quarrying center. Today, it's a suburban community with a highly educated population and a median age in the early 40s. Its landscape features rolling hills and numerous lakes. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 24,946, Westford has a total crime rate of 404.9 per 100,000 residents.