Is Boston or Swampscott Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Swampscott is safer than Boston (Safety Score 68/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,157 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 56% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Swampscott has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 41.4x 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
Swampscott — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Swampscott, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Swampscott | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,156.7 | +1,493.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 81.7 | +546.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 6.3 | +19.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 6.3 | +120.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 69.2 | +403.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,075.0 | +946.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 119.4 | +58.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 911.6 | +775.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 44.0 | +112.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Swampscott safer?
Swampscott is safer with a total crime rate of 1,157 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Swampscott has 81.7. Swampscott 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 Swampscott, MA
Swampscott, a coastal town north of Boston, boasts a rich history as the birthplace of the modern lobster industry. Its scenic shoreline, with beaches and rocky outcrops, defines much of the affluent community. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 15,907, Swampscott has a total crime rate of 1,156.7 per 100,000 residents.