Is Athol or Boston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Athol is safer than Boston (Safety Score 67/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,184 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 55% lower. Athol has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Athol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 54.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athol, MA
Boston, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athol | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,183.7 | 2,649.7 | -1,466.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 452.1 | 628.0 | -175.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.6 | -3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 25.6 | +31.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 126.4 | -126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 394.6 | 472.2 | -77.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 731.6 | 2,021.7 | -1,290.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 106.9 | 177.7 | -70.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 616.5 | 1,687.4 | -1,070.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 8.2 | 156.6 | -148.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athol or Boston safer?
Athol is safer with a total crime rate of 1,184 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athol has a violent crime rate of 452.1 per 100K while Boston has 628.0. Athol has lower violent crime.
About Athol, MA
Athol, "Tool Town," is a small manufacturing community in north-central Massachusetts, bisected by the Millers River. Its population of around 9,000 has seen a slight decline in recent decades. The town once boasted a thriving shoe industry. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 12,165, Athol has a total crime rate of 1,183.7 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.