Is Boston or Dedham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dedham is safer than Boston (Safety Score 53/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 40% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dedham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 26.0x 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
Dedham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Dedham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Dedham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,597.3 | +1,052.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 272.1 | +355.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 19.7 | +5.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 7.9 | +118.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 244.5 | +227.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,325.2 | +696.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 98.6 | +79.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,128.0 | +559.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 98.6 | +58.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Dedham safer?
Dedham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Dedham has 272.1. Dedham 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 Dedham, MA
Dedham, a town in Norfolk County south of Boston, boasts a rich history as the site of the first tax-supported public school in America. Its suburban landscape is characterized by a mix of residential areas and commercial hubs. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 25,355, Dedham has a total crime rate of 1,597.3 per 100,000 residents.