Is Boston or Peabody Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Peabody is safer than Boston (Safety Score 71/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,092 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 59% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Peabody has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 12.0x 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
Peabody — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Peabody, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Peabody | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,091.6 | +1,558.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 254.7 | +373.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 25.5 | +0.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 9.1 | +117.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 220.1 | +252.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 836.9 | +1,184.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 85.5 | +92.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 693.2 | +994.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 58.2 | +98.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Peabody safer?
Peabody is safer with a total crime rate of 1,092 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Peabody has 254.7. Peabody 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 Peabody, MA
Peabody, once a major center for leather tanning, is a city in Essex County with a population around 54,000. It's located just north of Salem and has a diverse community. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 54,964, Peabody has a total crime rate of 1,091.6 per 100,000 residents.