Is Ashland or Boston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ashland is safer than Boston (Safety Score 82/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 774 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 71% lower. Ashland has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ashland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 34.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ashland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ashland, MA
Boston, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ashland | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 774.1 | 2,649.7 | -1,875.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 95.4 | 628.0 | -532.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.6 | -3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 10.6 | 25.6 | -15.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 5.3 | 126.4 | -121.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 79.5 | 472.2 | -392.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 678.7 | 2,021.7 | -1,343.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 270.4 | 177.7 | +92.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 233.3 | 1,687.4 | -1,454.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 175.0 | 156.6 | +18.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashland or Boston safer?
Ashland is safer with a total crime rate of 774 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 95.4 per 100K while Boston has 628.0. Ashland has lower violent crime.
About Ashland, MA
Ashland, MA, once home to a section of the Boston Marathon, is a small town in Middlesex County. With a population of around 18,000, it features a mix of suburban and rural landscapes. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 18,861, Ashland has a total crime rate of 774.1 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.