Is Boston or Pepperell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pepperell is safer than Boston (Safety Score 93/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 476 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 Pepperell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 55.1x 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
Pepperell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Pepperell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Pepperell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 476.2 | +2,173.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 108.6 | +519.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 8.4 | +17.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 100.3 | +372.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 367.6 | +1,654.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 91.9 | +85.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 250.6 | +1,436.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 25.1 | +131.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Pepperell safer?
Pepperell is safer with a total crime rate of 476 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 Pepperell has 108.6. Pepperell 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 Pepperell, MA
Pepperell, a rural town in northern Middlesex County, was settled in 1720. Historically a farming community, it retains a quiet, wooded character along the Nashua River. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 11,970, Pepperell has a total crime rate of 476.2 per 100,000 residents.