Is Boston or Brockton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brockton is safer than Boston (Safety Score 42/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,945 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 27% lower. Boston has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boston has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 6.2x 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
Brockton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Brockton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Brockton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,944.7 | +705.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 599.2 | +28.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 7.5 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 63.8 | -38.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 67.5 | +58.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 460.4 | +11.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,345.5 | +676.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 233.5 | -55.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 751.1 | +936.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 361.0 | -204.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Brockton safer?
Brockton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,945 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Brockton has 599.2. Brockton 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 Brockton, MA
Brockton, the "City of Champions," is a diverse city southeast of Boston, historically known for its shoe industry. It's home to a vibrant community with a significant Cape Verdean population. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 106,650, Brockton has a total crime rate of 1,944.7 per 100,000 residents.