Is Boston or Saugus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saugus is safer than Boston (Safety Score 51/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,652 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 38% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Saugus has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 22.6x 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
Saugus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Saugus, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Saugus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,651.8 | +997.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 250.2 | +377.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 30.8 | -5.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 6.9 | +119.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 212.5 | +259.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,401.6 | +620.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 96.0 | +81.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,199.5 | +488.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 106.2 | +50.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Saugus safer?
Saugus is safer with a total crime rate of 1,652 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Saugus has 250.2. Saugus 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 Saugus, MA
Saugus, Massachusetts, a town in Essex County, is home to the historic Kowloon Restaurant, a beloved Tiki establishment. Situated just north of Boston, it features a mix of suburban areas and light commercial zones. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 29,180, Saugus has a total crime rate of 1,651.8 per 100,000 residents.