South End Neighborhood, Boston
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Boston
Safety at a Glance
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in Boston
Is South End Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. South End in Boston, MA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average of 100. South End is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Compared to the Boston average (crime index 132), South End is 5% 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: 142, 42% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 81).
South End 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
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
How South End Compares
Crime index by category: South End vs Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South End Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South End Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South End, Boston?
South End in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average. Compared to the Boston average, crime in South End is 5% higher. South End is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Is South End a safe neighborhood in Boston?
South End is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Boston, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Assault (index: 142), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 81). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Boston.
How does South End compare to the rest of Boston?
South End's overall crime index is 137, compared to the Boston average of 132. This means crime in South End is 5% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 113, and for property crime it is 119. 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 South End?
The most prevalent crime type in South End is Assault, with a crime index of 142 (42% 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 South End?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Bay Village, Back Bay, Boston Common / Park Square and Leather District. These areas are close to South End and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South End?
South End has a population of approximately 27,302. The median household income is $105,192. The median home value is $1,272,653. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South End crime compare to the national average?
South End's overall crime rate is 37% above the national average (index 137 vs 100). Within Boston, it is safer than 13% 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.