Is Boston or Dartmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dartmouth is safer than Boston (Safety Score 62/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,345 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 49% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dartmouth has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 18.9x 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
Dartmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Dartmouth, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Dartmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,345.1 | +1,304.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 250.1 | +378.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 28.7 | -3.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 20.1 | +106.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 201.2 | +271.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,095.1 | +926.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 71.9 | +105.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 977.2 | +710.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 46.0 | +110.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Dartmouth safer?
Dartmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 1,345 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Dartmouth has 250.1. Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth, MA
Dartmouth, Massachusetts, a coastal town settled in 1652, features a mix of historic villages and modern developments. Its southern border lies along Buzzards Bay, and the population is around 34,000. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 34,792, Dartmouth has a total crime rate of 1,345.1 per 100,000 residents.