Is Chicago or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 100/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 100% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 12.4x 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
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 16.5 | +3,995.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 16.5 | +523.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 7.5 | +9.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 0.0 | +58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 0.9 | +334.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 8.0 | +120.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 0.0 | +3,472.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 0.0 | +294.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 0.0 | +2,318.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 0.0 | +858.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 100% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester 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 Worcester, MA
Worcester, a city of hills in Central Massachusetts, boasts a rich industrial past, home to the first American-made Valentine's Day cards. It's the second-most populous city in New England outside of Boston. With a safety score of 100/100 and a population coverage of 212,425, Worcester has a total crime rate of 16.5 per 100,000 residents.