Is Boston or Braintree Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Braintree is safer than Boston (Safety Score 59/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 47% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Braintree has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 16.9x 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
Braintree — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Braintree, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Braintree | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,404.5 | +1,245.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 284.5 | +343.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 38.4 | -12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 23.1 | +103.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 223.0 | +249.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,120.0 | +901.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 59.0 | +118.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 971.4 | +716.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 89.7 | +66.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Braintree safer?
Braintree is safer with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Braintree has 284.5. Braintree 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 Braintree, MA
Braintree, a South Shore suburb, is home to the birthplace of President John Adams. This town of over 38,000 residents lies just south of Boston, with easy access to major highways. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 39,018, Braintree has a total crime rate of 1,404.5 per 100,000 residents.