Is Boston or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boston is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 25/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 49% lower. Boston has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boston has a 57% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 2.3x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 5,219.0 | -2,569.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 595.3 | +32.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 8.4 | -4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 83.7 | -58.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 108.4 | +18.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 393.7 | +78.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 4,623.6 | -2,601.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 495.6 | -317.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 3,291.8 | -1,604.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 836.3 | -679.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or San Antonio safer?
Boston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.