Is Chicago or Westwood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westwood is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 67/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,190 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 70% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westwood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 159.4x 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
Westwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Westwood, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Westwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,190.3 | +2,822.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 42.3 | +497.6 |
| 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 | 42.3 | +86.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,148.0 | +2,324.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 60.4 | +234.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,051.3 | +1,267.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 36.3 | +822.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Westwood safer?
Westwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,190 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Westwood has 42.3. Westwood 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 Westwood, MA
Westwood, MA, a affluent suburb southwest of Boston, is known for its excellent public schools. Settled in the 17th century, it was originally part of Dedham before incorporating in 1897. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 16,551, Westwood has a total crime rate of 1,190.3 per 100,000 residents.