Is Boston or North Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Reading is safer than Boston (Safety Score 93/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 82% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 39.9x 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 Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
North Reading, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | North Reading | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 471.8 | +2,177.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 66.5 | +561.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 6.1 | +19.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 6.1 | +120.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 54.4 | +417.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 405.3 | +1,616.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 48.4 | +129.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 338.8 | +1,348.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 18.2 | +138.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or North Reading safer?
North Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while North Reading has 66.5. North Reading 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 Reading, MA
North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 per 100,000 residents.