Is Boston or Somerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Somerville is safer than Boston (Safety Score 43/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 28% lower. Boston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Somerville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 8.1x 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
Somerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Somerville, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Somerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,920.1 | +729.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 221.4 | +406.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 15.9 | +9.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 24.5 | +101.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 181.0 | +291.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,698.8 | +323.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 289.9 | -112.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,279.3 | +408.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 129.6 | +27.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Somerville safer?
Somerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Somerville has 221.4. Somerville 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 Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA, a densely populated city immediately north of Boston, is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods. Historically home to many working-class immigrants, it's now a hub for young professionals and students. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 81,766, Somerville has a total crime rate of 1,920.1 per 100,000 residents.