Is Boston or Bourne Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bourne is safer than Boston (Safety Score 65/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,245 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 53% lower. Boston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bourne has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 31.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bourne — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Bourne, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Bourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,245.0 | +1,404.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 274.6 | +353.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 52.1 | -26.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 222.5 | +249.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 970.5 | +1,051.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 203.6 | -25.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 719.6 | +967.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 47.3 | +109.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Bourne safer?
Bourne is safer with a total crime rate of 1,245 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Bourne has 274.6. Bourne has lower violent crime.
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.
About Bourne, MA
Bourne, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod, is a town bisected by the Cape Cod Canal and home to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Its location at the gateway to the Cape makes it a popular summer destination. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 21,124, Bourne has a total crime rate of 1,245.0 per 100,000 residents.