Is Boston or Plymouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plymouth is safer than Boston (Safety Score 74/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,018 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 62% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Plymouth has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 9.7x 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
Plymouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Plymouth, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Plymouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,017.7 | +1,632.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 322.6 | +305.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 2.9 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 22.0 | +3.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 10.3 | +116.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 287.4 | +184.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 695.1 | +1,326.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 63.1 | +114.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 582.2 | +1,105.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 49.9 | +106.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Plymouth safer?
Plymouth is safer with a total crime rate of 1,018 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Plymouth has 322.6. Plymouth 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 Plymouth, MA
Plymouth, Massachusetts, a coastal town south of Boston, holds the significant historical distinction of being the landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620. Its population of over 60,000 residents reflects a mix of historical preservation and modern suburban life. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 68,195, Plymouth has a total crime rate of 1,017.7 per 100,000 residents.