SoWa Neighborhood, Boston
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Summary: SoWa, Boston Crime Rate (2026)
SoWa in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 131, which is 31% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: June 3, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Boston
Is SoWa Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. SoWa in Boston, MA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 131, which is 31% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Boston average (crime index 132), SoWa is 1% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 139, 39% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 18). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
SoWa 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
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
18 | -82% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
How SoWa Compares
Crime index by category: SoWa vs Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
SoWa Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
SoWa Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in SoWa, Boston?
SoWa in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 131, which is 31% above the national average. Compared to the Boston average, crime in SoWa is 1% lower.
Is SoWa a safe neighborhood in Boston?
SoWa is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Boston, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 139), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 18).
How does SoWa compare to the rest of Boston?
SoWa's overall crime index is 131, compared to the Boston average of 132. This means crime in SoWa is 1% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 76, and for property crime it is 115. 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 SoWa?
The most prevalent crime type in SoWa is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 139 (39% 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 SoWa?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include South End, Bay Village, Leather District and South Station. These areas are close to SoWa and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of SoWa?
SoWa has a population of approximately 1,307. The median household income is $126,829. The median home value is $921,701. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does SoWa crime compare to the national average?
SoWa's overall crime rate is 31% above the national average (index 131 vs 100). 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 June 2026.