Is Boston or Framingham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Framingham is safer than Boston (Safety Score 60/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,380 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 48% lower. Boston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Framingham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 9.0x 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
Framingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Framingham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Framingham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,379.9 | +1,269.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 325.5 | +302.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 9.6 | +16.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 27.4 | +99.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 288.6 | +183.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,054.4 | +967.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 374.7 | -197.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 568.9 | +1,118.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 110.8 | +45.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Framingham safer?
Framingham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,380 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Framingham has 325.5. Framingham 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 Framingham, MA
Framingham, home to the world's first marathon, is a populous town in Middlesex County. Its diverse population of over 72,000 residents reflects its history as a manufacturing hub and present-day status as a regional center. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 73,123, Framingham has a total crime rate of 1,379.9 per 100,000 residents.