Is Boston or Canton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Canton is safer than Boston (Safety Score 80/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 830 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 69% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Canton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 26.2x 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
Canton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Canton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Canton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 830.0 | +1,819.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 289.9 | +338.1 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 7.9 | +17.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 15.9 | +110.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 266.1 | +206.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 540.1 | +1,481.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 39.7 | +138.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 444.8 | +1,242.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 55.6 | +101.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Canton safer?
Canton is safer with a total crime rate of 830 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Canton has 289.9. Canton 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 Canton, MA
Canton, Massachusetts, a town in Norfolk County, is home to the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon. It is situated approximately 15 miles southwest of Boston. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 25,181, Canton has a total crime rate of 830.0 per 100,000 residents.