Is Boston or Natick Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Natick is safer than Boston (Safety Score 61/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,349 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 49% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Natick has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 17.8x 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
Natick — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Natick, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Natick | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,348.7 | +1,301.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 213.1 | +414.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 10.8 | +14.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 8.1 | +118.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 194.2 | +278.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,135.6 | +886.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 72.8 | +104.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,035.8 | +651.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 27.0 | +129.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Natick safer?
Natick is safer with a total crime rate of 1,349 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Natick has 213.1. Natick 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 Natick, MA
Natick, Massachusetts, a town in Middlesex County, is home to the world's first industrial park. Its population of over 36,000 residents enjoys a suburban landscape just 17 miles west of Boston. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 37,073, Natick has a total crime rate of 1,348.7 per 100,000 residents.