Is Boston or Norfolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norfolk is safer than Boston (Safety Score 94/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 431 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 84% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norfolk has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 55.7x 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
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Norfolk, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Norfolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 431.3 | +2,218.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 50.7 | +577.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 0.0 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 50.7 | +421.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 380.6 | +1,641.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 152.2 | +25.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 194.5 | +1,492.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 33.8 | +122.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Norfolk safer?
Norfolk is safer with a total crime rate of 431 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Norfolk has 50.7. Norfolk 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 Norfolk, MA
Norfolk, Massachusetts, a small town in southeastern Massachusetts, is primarily residential with a median age of around 40. It was once home to the Norfolk County Agricultural School, reflecting its rural past. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 11,824, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 431.3 per 100,000 residents.