Is Boston or Nantucket Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Nantucket is safer than Boston (Safety Score 70/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,116 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 58% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Nantucket has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 44.6x 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
Nantucket — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Nantucket, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Nantucket | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,115.7 | +1,534.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 202.9 | +425.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 40.6 | -14.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 162.3 | +309.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 912.8 | +1,108.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 74.4 | +103.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 791.1 | +896.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 47.3 | +109.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Nantucket safer?
Nantucket is safer with a total crime rate of 1,116 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Nantucket has 202.9. Nantucket 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 Nantucket, MA
Nantucket, a remote island 30 miles south of Cape Cod, was once the whaling capital of the world. Today, its well-preserved historic district and pristine beaches attract a seasonal influx of wealthy summer residents, while year-round inhabitants number around 14,000. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 14,789, Nantucket has a total crime rate of 1,115.7 per 100,000 residents.