Is Belmont or Boston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Belmont is safer than Boston (Safety Score 83/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 755 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 72% lower. Belmont has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Belmont has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 24.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Belmont — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Belmont, MA
Boston, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Belmont | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 755.1 | 2,649.7 | -1,894.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 51.3 | 628.0 | -576.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.6 | -3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 29.3 | 25.6 | +3.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.3 | 126.4 | -119.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 14.7 | 472.2 | -457.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 703.8 | 2,021.7 | -1,317.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.0 | 177.7 | -23.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 509.5 | 1,687.4 | -1,177.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 40.3 | 156.6 | -116.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belmont or Boston safer?
Belmont is safer with a total crime rate of 755 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Belmont has a violent crime rate of 51.3 per 100K while Boston has 628.0. Belmont has lower violent crime.
About Belmont, MA
Belmont, a affluent Boston suburb, is home to McLean Hospital, a renowned psychiatric facility. This small town is characterized by its tree-lined streets and historic homes. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 27,280, Belmont has a total crime rate of 755.1 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.