Is Boston or Needham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Needham is safer than Boston (Safety Score 85/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 699 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 74% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Needham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 20.1x 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
Needham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Needham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Needham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 698.6 | +1,951.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 51.9 | +576.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 12.2 | +13.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 39.7 | +432.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 646.8 | +1,374.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 73.2 | +104.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 536.9 | +1,150.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 36.6 | +120.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Needham safer?
Needham is safer with a total crime rate of 699 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Needham has 51.9. Needham 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 Needham, MA
Needham, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to the first-ever American-made baseball. Located just west of Boston, it boasts a highly educated population and a charming town center. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,779, Needham has a total crime rate of 698.6 per 100,000 residents.