Is Boston or Burlington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than Boston (Safety Score 44/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 29% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 24.3x 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
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Burlington, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Burlington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,887.6 | +762.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 224.9 | +403.1 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 22.1 | +3.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 14.8 | +111.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 188.0 | +284.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,662.7 | +359.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 95.9 | +81.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,519.0 | +168.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 47.9 | +108.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Burlington safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Burlington has 224.9. Burlington 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 Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA, a Middlesex County suburb, is known for its robust tech industry and the Burlington Mall. It was incorporated in 1799, separating from Woburn, and is home to a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 27,124, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,887.6 per 100,000 residents.