Is Bluffton or Waltham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bluffton is safer than Waltham (Safety Score 77/100 vs 76/100), with a total crime rate of 944 per 100,000 versus 951 for Waltham — 1% lower. Bluffton has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Waltham has a 71% lower rate.
Bluffton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waltham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bluffton, SC
Waltham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bluffton | Waltham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 943.9 | 951.3 | -7.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 118.7 | 252.0 | -133.3 |
| Murder Rate | 5.3 | 1.5 | +3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 15.8 | 18.3 | -2.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.1 | 22.9 | -1.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 76.5 | 209.2 | -132.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 825.3 | 699.4 | +125.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 68.6 | 125.2 | -56.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 680.3 | 519.2 | +161.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 76.5 | 55.0 | +21.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluffton or Waltham safer?
Bluffton is safer with a total crime rate of 944 per 100K vs 951 for Waltham — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bluffton has a violent crime rate of 118.7 per 100K while Waltham has 252.0. Bluffton has lower violent crime.
About Bluffton, SC
Bluffton, a "Lowcountry" town on the May River, was once a thriving antebellum port. This charming Beaufort County community is known for its distinctive architecture and vibrant arts scene, drawing visitors to its historic district. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 37,927, Bluffton has a total crime rate of 943.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Waltham, MA
Waltham, "Watch City," is a historic industrial suburb of Boston along the Charles River. Home to Brandeis University, its diverse population includes a significant immigrant community. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 65,488, Waltham has a total crime rate of 951.3 per 100,000 residents.