Boston, Massachusetts is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a major hub for healthcare, education, business, and culture. With world-class universities, historic neighborhoods, and a diverse urban environment, it attracts students, professionals, and families from around the world. However, like all large cities, crime is an important factor to consider when moving to Boston.
In this comprehensive guide by Stark Moving & Storage, you’ll find an honest look at Boston’s crime rate with statistics, trends, neighborhood insights, and practical safety tips. This information will help you make informed decisions about where to live and how to stay safe in this dynamic city.
Overview: of Crime in Boston
Boston’s crime rate generally reflects that of a major U.S. metro area with both safe neighborhoods and areas where certain crimes occur more frequently. Overall, Boston has higher crime rates than many suburban and rural communities, but lower violent crime rates than several other large U.S. cities like Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis.
Key Crime Statistics
| Crime Type | Rate (per 100,000 residents) | National Median |
| Violent Crime (Total) | ~1,100–1,250 | ~380–400 |
| Homicide | ~8–10 | ~6 |
| Robbery | ~400–450 | ~81 |
| Property Crime (Total) | ~4,000–4,500 | ~2,100–2,500 |
| Aggravated Assault | ~650–700 | ~270 |
| Burglary | ~650–800 | ~340 |
| Larceny/Theft | ~3,000–3,500 | ~1,900 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | ~300–400 | ~370 |
U.S. national medians are approximate and vary by year and source.
These figures reflect that violent crime in Boston is higher than national averages, particularly for robbery and aggravated assault. Property crime also tends to be above the national median.
Violent Crime in Boston
What Counts as Violent Crime?
Violent crime includes:
- Homicide
- Robbery
- Aggravated assault
- Rape / sexual assault
Across Boston, violent crime is more common in certain neighborhoods rather than evenly distributed.
Estimated Citywide Violent Crime Rate
- ~1,100–1,250 incidents per 100,000 people annually
This is higher than many U.S. suburbs but generally lower than other large cities like New York City, Chicago, or Philadelphia.
Breakdown (Approximate)
- Homicides: ~50–60 per year
- Robberies: ~4,000–4,500 annually
- Aggravated Assaults: ~7,000–8,000 annually
Numbers vary year to year but show a steady pattern where robbery and assault dominate violent crime statistics.
Property Crime in Boston
Property crime includes:
- Larceny/Theft
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle theft
Property crime is more common than violent crime and makes up the majority of reported incidents.
Estimated Property Crime Rate
- ~4,000–4,500 incidents per 100,000 residents annually
This places Boston above the national average for property crime, particularly for:
- Larceny/Theft: Most frequent category
- Burglary: Residential and commercial break-ins
- Motor Vehicle Theft: Auto theft and attempts
Property crime tends to occur more frequently in commercial areas and near transit hubs.
Crime by Neighborhood
Crime in Boston is highly neighborhood-dependent. Some areas have relatively low crime rates, while others have higher levels of specific offenses.
Neighborhoods with Lower Crime Rates
These areas are often residential, well-policed, and popular with families and professionals:
Back Bay
- Low violent crime
- High property values
- Strong commercial and cultural presence
Beacon Hill
- Very low crime overall
- Historic and affluent
- Pedestrian-friendly
South End
- Growing residential area
- Moderate property crime
- Lower violent crime than city average
West Roxbury
- Lower violent and property crime
- Quiet, family-friendly
Jamaica Plain
- Moderate crime but many safe sections
- Green spaces and community engagement
Neighborhoods with Higher Crime Rates
Some areas have higher rates of robbery and property crime; these areas often require more situational awareness:
Roxbury
- Higher rates of violent crime
- Higher robbery and assault figures
Mattapan
- Elevated property crime
- Concentrated in specific corridors
Dorchester
- Varied rates across sections
- Some higher crime zones
Even in higher-crime neighborhoods, many blocks and residential pockets can be relatively safe, especially near business districts, transit, and community hubs.
How Boston Compares to Other Cities
Violent Crime
- Boston’s rate is higher than the national average
- Lower than cities like Detroit or Chicago
- Comparable to cities of similar size and density
Property Crime
- Above national median
- Similar to other dense, urban cores
Safe Suburban Contrast
Suburban areas outside Boston (e.g., Newton, Brookline, Lexington) generally have significantly lower crime rates than Boston proper, particularly for violent crime.
Why Crime Happens Where It Does
Crime tends to correlate with:
- Higher population density
- Economic disparities
- Transit hubs and commercial clusters
- Areas with late-night venues
Understanding patterns helps you choose neighborhoods and plan daily movement in the city more safely.
Safety Tips for Residents and Newcomers
Even though Boston is a major city with crime levels higher than average, most residents live safely with awareness and caution. Here are practical tips:
Personal Safety
- Avoid poorly lit areas at night when possible
- Stay aware of surroundings, especially near transit hubs
- Use ride-shares or trusted transportation late at night
Home Safety
- Lock doors and windows consistently
- Use deadbolts and security systems
- Keep valuables out of sight
Property Crime Prevention
- Do not leave items visible in parked vehicles
- Park in well-lit areas with cameras if possible
- Report suspicious activity to local police
Digital Awareness
- Be cautious with personal information
- Protect devices and accounts with strong passwords
Community Initiatives and Policing
Boston receives considerable investment in community policing and public safety initiatives. Neighborhood patrols, community outreach, youth programs, and collaborative safety efforts aim to reduce crime over time.
Boston Police Department (BPD) and community organizations work together to:
- Promote neighborhood safety
- Increase visibility in high-crime areas
- Provide crime prevention education
Is Boston Safe to Live In?
Safety in Boston depends greatly on where you live and how you navigate daily life.
Key Points to Consider:
- Many neighborhoods are very safe, with low violent and property crime.
- Some areas have higher crime rates, especially in portions of Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester.
- Most residents never become victims of serious crime.
- Awareness, planning, and good neighborhood choice significantly improve safety.
In terms of national and regional comparisons, Boston remains a vibrant urban environment that can be safe and enjoyable when approached with common-sense precautions.
Choosing Where to Live in Boston
Safer, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:
- Back Bay
- Beacon Hill
- West Roxbury
- South End
- Jamaica Plain
Transit-Friendly and Mixed Areas:
- North End (tourist-friendly)
- Fenway–Kenmore (college and young professionals)
- Charlestown (historic and residential)
Working with local real estate professionals helps you match your lifestyle, budget, and safety preferences.
Moving to Boston with Stark Moving & Storage
Whether you are relocating across town or from out of state, moving to Boston requires careful planning particularly in an urban setting with tight streets, parking restrictions, and busy traffic.
Stark Moving & Storage offers:
- Local and long-distance moving services
- Professional packing and loading
- Secure transportation of belongings
- Neighborhood knowledge and logistics support
- On-time and stress-free service
Our experienced moving company understands Boston’s layout and challenges, helping make your move safe and efficient.
Final Thoughts
Boston, MA, offers world-class education, culture, economic opportunity, and quality of life but it is also a living city with crime patterns that reflect its size and diversity. Understanding the crime statistics, neighborhood differences, and practical safety strategies will help you choose the best location and lifestyle in this historic and dynamic city.
If you are planning your move, let Stark Moving & Storage help you start your Boston journey with confidence and peace of mind.