Boston, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Boston, MA

The Boston crime rates are 4.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 3955 violent crimes in Boston (619 per 100,000 people), which is 67.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 11514 property crimes (1802 per 100,000 residents) which is 7.8% lower than average.

In terms of the total Boston crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Boston, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Boston is very similar to the national average. Boston had a property crime rate of 1802, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Boston?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Boston. Based on the results of the surveys (233 responses), 57% of people felt that there was very little crime in Boston and felt safe walking alone at night. While 43% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Boston a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Boston is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Boston has an overall crime rate that is 4% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 42.38 daily occurrences, comprising 10.84 violent crimes and 31.55 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Boston as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Boston Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Boston has decreased by 0.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Boston, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 1.8%, while property crime has decreased by 0.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Boston is a safe place to live.

Boston Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 16 different neighborhoods in the Boston area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Boston include West Roxbury, Allston-Brighton and Roslindale. While Central, Roxbury and South End have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in Boston

In Boston, the poverty rate currently stands at 18%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Boston crime rates.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Boston crime rates. For instance, in Boston, the population density stands at 14259.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Boston, 82.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Boston crime map