Is Boston or Plainville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plainville is safer than Boston (Safety Score 39/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 2,030 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 23% lower. Boston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Plainville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 65.6x 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
Plainville — 0-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Plainville, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Plainville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 2,029.7 | +620.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 268.6 | +359.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 69.6 | -44.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 10.0 | +116.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 189.0 | +283.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,761.0 | +260.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 228.8 | -51.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,532.2 | +155.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 0.0 | +156.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Plainville safer?
Plainville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,030 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Plainville has 268.6. Plainville 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 Plainville, MA
Plainville, MA, a small town in Norfolk County, is home to the Plainville Farm, a historic site. Roughly half of its land area is dedicated to residential use. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 10,051, Plainville has a total crime rate of 2,029.7 per 100,000 residents.