Is Chicago or Wilmington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wilmington is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 67/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,177 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 71% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wilmington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 112.1x 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
Wilmington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Wilmington, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,177.0 | +2,835.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 165.7 | +374.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 17.0 | +41.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.0 | +335.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 148.7 | -20.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,011.3 | +2,461.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 93.5 | +201.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 862.6 | +1,456.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 55.2 | +803.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Wilmington safer?
Wilmington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,177 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Wilmington has 165.7. Wilmington 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 Wilmington, MA
Wilmington, MA is a suburban town in Middlesex County, known for its annual "Fun on the Fourth" celebration. Bordering Andover and Reading, it's home to a diverse population, with many residents commuting to Boston. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 23,535, Wilmington has a total crime rate of 1,177.0 per 100,000 residents.