Chinatown Neighborhood, Boston
Crime Rate & Statistics
Average crime levels — comparable to the national average
Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Boston
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Boston
Is Chinatown Safe?
It's average — crime is comparable to the national average. Chinatown in Boston, MA has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average of 100. Chinatown is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Compared to the Boston average (crime index 132), Chinatown is 22% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 168, 68% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 82).
Chinatown 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
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
158 | +58% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
168 | +68% | High | |
How Chinatown Compares
Crime index by category: Chinatown vs Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Chinatown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Chinatown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Chinatown, Boston?
Chinatown in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average. Compared to the Boston average, crime in Chinatown is 22% higher. Chinatown is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Is Chinatown a safe neighborhood in Boston?
Chinatown has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 168), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 82). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Boston.
How does Chinatown compare to the rest of Boston?
Chinatown's overall crime index is 154, compared to the Boston average of 132. This means crime in Chinatown is 22% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 142, and for property crime it is 123. 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 Chinatown?
The most prevalent crime type in Chinatown is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 168 (68% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Chinatown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Leather District, Bay Village, Boston Common / Park Square and South Station. These areas are close to Chinatown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Chinatown?
Chinatown has a population of approximately 6,893. The median household income is $29,520. The median home value is $1,094,261. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Chinatown crime compare to the national average?
Chinatown's overall crime rate is 54% above the national average (index 154 vs 100). Within Boston, it is safer than 0% 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.