Is Boston or North Andover Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Andover is safer than Boston (Safety Score 85/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 705 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 73% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where North Andover has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 20.3x 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 Andover — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
North Andover, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | North Andover | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 705.2 | +1,944.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 138.6 | +489.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 3.1 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 37.0 | -11.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 12.3 | +114.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 86.2 | +386.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 566.6 | +1,455.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 61.6 | +116.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 468.1 | +1,219.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 37.0 | +119.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or North Andover safer?
North Andover is safer with a total crime rate of 705 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while North Andover has 138.6. North Andover 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 Andover, MA
North Andover, a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, is home to Merrimack College and boasts a rich history tied to the Andover Theological Seminary. Predominantly residential, it features rolling hills and a mix of historic homes and modern developments. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,474, North Andover has a total crime rate of 705.2 per 100,000 residents.