Is Chicago or Woburn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Woburn is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 68/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,142 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 72% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Woburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 61.8x 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
Woburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Woburn, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Woburn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,142.4 | +2,869.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 215.4 | +324.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 14.1 | +44.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 2.3 | +332.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 199.0 | -70.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 927.1 | +2,545.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 142.8 | +152.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 671.9 | +1,646.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 112.4 | +746.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Woburn safer?
Woburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,142 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Woburn has 215.4. Woburn 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 Woburn, MA
Woburn, a city in Middlesex County, is home to the historic Baldwin House. Situated just north of Boston, it has a diverse population exceeding 40,000 residents. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 42,716, Woburn has a total crime rate of 1,142.4 per 100,000 residents.