Is Boston or North Adams Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boston is safer than North Adams (Safety Score 25/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100,000 versus 3,752 for North Adams — 29% lower. Boston has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Adams has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 53.2x 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
North Adams — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
North Adams, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | North Adams | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 3,751.5 | -1,101.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 1,194.0 | -566.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 56.5 | -30.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 72.6 | +53.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 1,065.0 | -592.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,557.5 | -535.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 330.8 | -153.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 2,186.4 | -498.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 40.3 | +116.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or North Adams safer?
Boston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100K vs 3,752 for North Adams — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while North Adams has 1,194.0. Boston 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 North Adams, MA
Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, North Adams is a small city of roughly 13,000 residents. It's home to MASS MoCA, a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former mill complex, reflecting its industrial past and cultural present. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 12,395, North Adams has a total crime rate of 3,751.5 per 100,000 residents.