Is Boston or Holden Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Holden is safer than Boston (Safety Score 98/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 315 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 88% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Holden has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 32.4x 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
Holden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Holden, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Holden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 314.9 | +2,334.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 54.1 | +573.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 29.5 | -3.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 24.6 | +447.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 260.8 | +1,760.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 24.6 | +153.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 201.8 | +1,485.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 34.5 | +122.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Holden safer?
Holden is safer with a total crime rate of 315 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Holden has 54.1. Holden 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 Holden, MA
Holden, Massachusetts, a suburban town in Worcester County, boasts a rich history, including being the birthplace of famed abolitionist Thomas W. Dorr. Its primarily residential character is home to a population of over 19,000, reflecting a quiet New England charm. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 20,322, Holden has a total crime rate of 314.9 per 100,000 residents.