Is Boston or Lowell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lowell is safer than Boston (Safety Score 35/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 17% lower. Boston has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lowell has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 5.7x 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
Lowell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Lowell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Lowell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 2,195.4 | +454.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 532.5 | +95.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 4.3 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 6.9 | +18.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 56.9 | +69.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 464.4 | +7.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,662.9 | +358.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 149.9 | +27.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,309.6 | +377.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 203.3 | -46.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Lowell safer?
Lowell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Lowell has 532.5. Lowell 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 Lowell, MA
Lowell, a historic mill city on the Merrimack River, was a birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Its diverse population includes a significant Cambodian American community. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 116,062, Lowell has a total crime rate of 2,195.4 per 100,000 residents.