Is Boston or Marblehead Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marblehead is safer than Boston (Safety Score 84/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 722 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 73% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Marblehead has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 31.9x 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
Marblehead — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Marblehead, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Marblehead | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 721.7 | +1,928.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 145.3 | +482.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 33.9 | -8.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 4.8 | +121.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 106.6 | +365.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 576.4 | +1,445.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 67.8 | +109.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 479.5 | +1,207.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 29.1 | +127.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Marblehead safer?
Marblehead is safer with a total crime rate of 722 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Marblehead has 145.3. Marblehead 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 Marblehead, MA
Marblehead, a historic coastal town north of Boston, boasts a rich maritime heritage and a picturesque harbor. Many of its residents are professionals working in nearby urban areas, drawn to its charming colonial architecture and strong community spirit. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 20,645, Marblehead has a total crime rate of 721.7 per 100,000 residents.