Is Boston or Kingston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kingston is safer than Boston (Safety Score 78/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 896 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 66% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kingston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 46.1x 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
Kingston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Kingston, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Kingston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 895.7 | +1,754.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 216.9 | +411.1 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 28.0 | -2.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 7.0 | +119.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 181.9 | +290.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 678.8 | +1,343.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 91.0 | +86.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 524.8 | +1,162.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 63.0 | +93.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Kingston safer?
Kingston is safer with a total crime rate of 896 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Kingston has 216.9. Kingston 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 Kingston, MA
Kingston, MA, a coastal town incorporated in 1726, boasts a rich maritime heritage. Situated in Plymouth County, its residents enjoy proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and a largely suburban environment. With a safety score of 78/100 and a population coverage of 14,291, Kingston has a total crime rate of 895.7 per 100,000 residents.