Downtown Neighborhood, Boston
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Boston
Safety at a Glance
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in Boston
Is Downtown Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Downtown in Boston, MA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Compared to the Boston average (crime index 132), Downtown is 9% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 151, 51% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 62).
Downtown 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
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Boston?
Downtown in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Boston average, crime in Downtown is 9% higher. Downtown is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Boston?
Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Boston, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 151), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 62).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Boston?
Downtown's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Boston average of 132. This means crime in Downtown is 9% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 111, and for property crime it is 120. 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 Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Assault, with a crime index of 151 (51% 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 Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Waterfront, North End, Leather District and Beacon Hill. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 7,306. The median household income is $139,323. The median home value is $1,621,476. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 vs 100). Within Boston, it is safer than 27% 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.