Is Boston or Marlboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marlboro is safer than Boston (Safety Score 58/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,457 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 45% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Marlboro has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 15.8x 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
Marlboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Marlboro, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Marlboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,457.5 | +1,192.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 421.2 | +206.8 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 45.5 | -19.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 14.4 | +112.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 361.4 | +110.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,036.3 | +985.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 119.7 | +58.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 808.9 | +878.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 107.7 | +48.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Marlboro safer?
Marlboro is safer with a total crime rate of 1,457 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Marlboro has 421.2. Marlboro 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 Marlboro, MA
Marlborough, Massachusetts, once home to a vibrant shoe industry, now boasts a diverse population of over 40,000. Located in Middlesex County, it sits at the crossroads of major routes, providing easy access to Boston and Worcester. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 41,785, Marlboro has a total crime rate of 1,457.5 per 100,000 residents.