Is Boston or Melrose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Melrose is safer than Boston (Safety Score 91/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 530 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 80% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Melrose has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 22.1x 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
Melrose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Melrose, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Melrose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 530.5 | +2,119.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 100.7 | +527.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 0.0 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 13.4 | +113.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 87.3 | +384.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 429.8 | +1,591.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 40.3 | +137.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 335.8 | +1,351.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 53.7 | +102.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Melrose safer?
Melrose is safer with a total crime rate of 530 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Melrose has 100.7. Melrose 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 Melrose, MA
Melrose is a small, affluent city north of Boston, known for its Victorian architecture. Bordered by the Middlesex Fells Reservation, it offers a suburban feel with easy access to urban amenities. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 29,784, Melrose has a total crime rate of 530.5 per 100,000 residents.