Is Boston or Charlton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charlton is safer than Boston (Safety Score 94/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 453 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 83% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charlton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 48.2x 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
Charlton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Charlton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Charlton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 453.5 | +2,196.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 117.0 | +511.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 14.6 | +11.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 102.4 | +369.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 336.5 | +1,685.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 58.5 | +119.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 219.4 | +1,468.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 58.5 | +98.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Charlton safer?
Charlton is safer with a total crime rate of 453 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Charlton has 117.0. Charlton 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 Charlton, MA
Charlton, Massachusetts, a rural town in Worcester County, is home to a portion of the historic Old Sturbridge Village. Its forested landscape and low population density define much of its character. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 13,672, Charlton has a total crime rate of 453.5 per 100,000 residents.