Is Bellingham or Boston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellingham is safer than Boston (Safety Score 64/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 52% lower. Bellingham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bellingham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 36.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellingham, MA
Boston, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellingham | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,259.7 | 2,649.7 | -1,390.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 215.5 | 628.0 | -412.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.6 | -3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 25.6 | +18.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 126.4 | -104.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.2 | 472.2 | -323.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,044.3 | 2,021.7 | -977.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 66.3 | 177.7 | -111.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 917.2 | 1,687.4 | -770.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.8 | 156.6 | -95.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham or Boston safer?
Bellingham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellingham has a violent crime rate of 215.5 per 100K while Boston has 628.0. Bellingham has lower violent crime.
About Bellingham, MA
Bellingham, Massachusetts, a suburban town in southeastern Worcester County, was incorporated in 1719. It's home to roughly 19,000 residents and features a mix of residential areas and commercial zones along Route 126. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 18,099, Bellingham has a total crime rate of 1,259.7 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.