Is Boston or Methuen Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Methuen is safer than Boston (Safety Score 75/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 972 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 63% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Methuen has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 12.1x 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
Methuen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Methuen, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Methuen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 972.1 | +1,677.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 175.8 | +452.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 9.2 | +16.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 166.6 | +305.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 796.4 | +1,225.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 47.6 | +130.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 682.9 | +1,004.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 65.9 | +90.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Methuen safer?
Methuen is safer with a total crime rate of 972 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Methuen has 175.8. Methuen 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 Methuen, MA
Methuen, Massachusetts, once a mill town known for its hat factories, lies along the Merrimack River near the New Hampshire border. Its diverse population of over 50,000 residents contributes to its suburban character. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 54,623, Methuen has a total crime rate of 972.1 per 100,000 residents.