Is Boston or Norwell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norwell is safer than Boston (Safety Score 91/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 531 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 80% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norwell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 57.3x 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
Norwell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Norwell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Norwell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 530.5 | +2,119.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 52.2 | +575.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 0.0 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 17.4 | +109.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 34.8 | +437.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 478.3 | +1,543.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 52.2 | +125.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 400.1 | +1,287.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 26.1 | +130.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Norwell safer?
Norwell is safer with a total crime rate of 531 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Norwell has 52.2. Norwell 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 Norwell, MA
Norwell, Massachusetts, a picturesque South Shore town, was historically known for its shipbuilding industry along the North River. This affluent community, predominantly residential, boasts a median household income significantly above the state average. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 11,498, Norwell has a total crime rate of 530.5 per 100,000 residents.