Crime Safety Grade

C-

Boston, MA Crime Rate

Higher crime than 75% of U.S. cities

Safety varies across 15+ neighborhoods — see the safest areas below

Is Boston Safe?

With an overall crime index of 132, Boston has a 32% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 217. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Longwood Medical Area earning an A grade while Chinatown rates C.

Crime Index Comparison

Boston
132
Massachusetts Avg
83
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
132
32% above average
Violent Crime
115
15% above average
Property Crime
120
20% above average
Safe Areas
93%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Boston

1 in 217

Property crime: 1 in 208

Where Is It Safe in Boston?

Boston Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Assault · 39% above avg
Lowest Risk
Robbery · 15% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 121 ▲ 21%
Assault Violent 139 ▲ 39%
Robbery Violent 85 ▼ 15%
Burglary Property 108 ▲ 8%
Larceny / Theft Property 123 ▲ 23%
Vehicle Theft Property 128 ▲ 28%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Boston Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Longwood Medical Area A 35
2 North End A 140
3 Beacon Hill A 127
4 Seaport A 142
5 Waterfront A 157
6 South Station A- 124
7 Back Bay A- 144
8 Leather District A- 127
9 Fenway / Kenmore A- 109
10 West End A- 125
11 Downtown B+ 141
12 Bay Village B+ 162
13 South End B 137
14 Boston Common / Park Square B- 163
15 Chinatown C 154

Boston Crime by Zip Code

Boston Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
4,465,970
Median Income
$76,298
Home Value
$581,283
Median Rent
$1,685
Home Ownership
35%

Racial Demographics

White
64.7%
Black
9.3%
Hispanic
10.5%
Asian
18.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Boston?
Boston has an overall crime index of 132, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 93% of neighborhoods in Boston are rated A or B for safety.
Is Boston safe to live in?
Boston has a crime safety grade of C-. High crime rate. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Boston?
The safest neighborhoods in Boston based on crime data include Longwood Medical Area, North End, Beacon Hill, Seaport, and Waterfront. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Boston crime compare to the national average?
Boston's overall crime index is 132 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 32% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State