Moving from Boston, MA to Chelmsford, MA?
The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Boston or Chelmsford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than Boston (Safety Score 65/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 53% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chelmsford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 17.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Boston, MA?
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Chelmsford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Chelmsford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,250.2 | +1,399.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 122.3 | +505.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 16.3 | +9.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 2.7 | +123.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 103.3 | +368.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,127.9 | +893.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 116.9 | +60.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 975.7 | +711.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 35.3 | +121.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Boston, MA to Chelmsford, MA?
The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Chelmsford safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Chelmsford has 122.3. Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 per 100,000 residents.