Back Bay Neighborhood, Boston
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 53% of neighborhoods in Boston
Safety at a Glance
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in Boston
Is Back Bay Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Back Bay in Boston, MA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 144, which is 44% above the national average of 100. Back Bay is safer than 53% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Compared to the Boston average (crime index 132), Back Bay is 12% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 152, 52% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 86).
Back Bay Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Boston city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
How Back Bay Compares
Crime index by category: Back Bay vs Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Back Bay Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Back Bay Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Back Bay, Boston?
Back Bay in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 144, which is 44% above the national average. Compared to the Boston average, crime in Back Bay is 12% higher. Back Bay is safer than 53% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Is Back Bay a safe neighborhood in Boston?
Back Bay is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Boston, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 152), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 86).
How does Back Bay compare to the rest of Boston?
Back Bay's overall crime index is 144, compared to the Boston average of 132. This means crime in Back Bay is 12% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 118, and for property crime it is 133. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Back Bay?
The most prevalent crime type in Back Bay is Assault, with a crime index of 152 (52% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Back Bay?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Bay Village, Boston Common / Park Square, South End and Fenway / Kenmore. These areas are close to Back Bay and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Back Bay?
Back Bay has a population of approximately 21,060. The median household income is $114,597. The median home value is $1,876,350. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Back Bay crime compare to the national average?
Back Bay's overall crime rate is 44% above the national average (index 144 vs 100). Within Boston, it is safer than 53% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.