Is Boston or Southbridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Southbridge is safer than Boston (Safety Score 74/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,001 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 murder, where Southbridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 36.1x 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
Southbridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Southbridge, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Southbridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,001.1 | +1,648.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 366.5 | +261.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 65.7 | -40.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 16.4 | +110.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 284.5 | +187.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 634.6 | +1,387.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 93.0 | +84.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 432.2 | +1,255.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 109.4 | +47.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Southbridge safer?
Southbridge is safer with a total crime rate of 1,001 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 Southbridge has 366.5. Southbridge 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 Southbridge, MA
Southbridge, once a thriving mill town known for its American Optical Company, sits on the Quinebaug River in southern Worcester County. Its diverse population now navigates a landscape of historic brick buildings and new developments. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 18,280, Southbridge has a total crime rate of 1,001.1 per 100,000 residents.