Is Boston or Southboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Southboro is safer than Boston (Safety Score 98/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 282 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 89% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Southboro has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 62.1x 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
Southboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Southboro, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Southboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 282.5 | +2,367.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 56.5 | +571.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 28.3 | -2.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 28.3 | +444.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 226.0 | +1,795.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 18.8 | +158.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 197.7 | +1,489.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 9.4 | +147.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Southboro safer?
Southboro is safer with a total crime rate of 282 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 89% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Southboro has 56.5. Southboro 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 Southboro, MA
Southborough, MA, a affluent suburb west of Boston, is home to the prestigious Fay School, the nation's oldest junior boarding school. Its leafy streets and large properties are characteristic of a wealthy New England town. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 10,620, Southboro has a total crime rate of 282.5 per 100,000 residents.