| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Boston/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 17,462 | n/a (estimate) | 2,650 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 24 | n/a | 3.6 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 169 | n/a | 25.6 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 833 | n/a | 126.4 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3,112 | n/a | 472.2 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4,138 | n/a (estimate) | 628 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,171 | n/a | 177.7 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 11,121 | n/a | 1,687.4 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,032 | n/a | 156.6 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 13,324 | n/a (estimate) | 2,022 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Boston is 25% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Boston, there were 4138 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 628 per 100,000 individuals, 74.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 13324 property crimes, amounting to 2022 per 100,000 residents, 14.9% higher than the U.S. average.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Boston is very similar to the national average. Boston had a property crime rate of 2022, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Boston residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 238 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 58% of Boston residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 42% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Boston is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Boston has an overall crime rate that is 25% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 47.84 daily occurrences, comprising 11.34 violent crimes and 36.5 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Boston as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Boston. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Boston has increased by 12.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 6.5%, while property crime has increased by 14.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Boston.
Boston is a large urban city with at least 16 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Boston include: West Roxbury, Allston-Brighton and Charlestown. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: Central, Roxbury and South End.
In Boston, 82.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Boston has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 4.28 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Boston, the average rental rates are $2,520 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Boston | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2,700 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.3 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| North Scituate, MA | 5,501 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| Boston, MA | 715,604 | 628 | 2,022 | 2,650 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Washington, DC | 721,713 | 926 | 3,588 | 4,514 |
| El Paso, TX | 703,663 | 278 | 1,494 | 1,772 |
| Detroit, MI | 692,044 | 1,781 | 4,305 | 6,087 |
| Nashville, TN | 692,022 | 1,124 | 4,510 | 5,634 |
| Denver, CO | 739,923 | 993 | 4,762 | 5,755 |
| Boston, MA | 715,604 | 628 | 2,022 | 2,650 |
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