Is Acton or Boston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Acton is safer than Boston (Safety Score 95/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 416 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 84% lower. Acton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Acton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 26.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Acton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Acton, MA
Boston, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Acton | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 416.2 | 2,649.7 | -2,233.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 65.3 | 628.0 | -562.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.1 | 3.6 | +0.4 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 25.6 | -13.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 126.4 | -126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 49.0 | 472.2 | -423.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 350.9 | 2,021.7 | -1,670.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.5 | 177.7 | -100.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 261.2 | 1,687.4 | -1,426.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 12.2 | 156.6 | -144.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acton or Boston safer?
Acton is safer with a total crime rate of 416 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Acton has a violent crime rate of 65.3 per 100K while Boston has 628.0. Acton has lower violent crime.
About Acton, MA
Acton, a Middlesex County town established in 1735, boasts a rich history including Minutemen participation. Located about 20 miles west-northwest of Boston, it is primarily residential with a highly educated population. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 24,506, Acton has a total crime rate of 416.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Boston, MA
Boston, a city steeped in American Revolution history, sits on Massachusetts Bay. This densely populated urban center is home to a diverse population and numerous universities. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 659,049, Boston has a total crime rate of 2,649.7 per 100,000 residents.