Is Boston or Swansea Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Swansea is safer than Boston (Safety Score 79/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 861 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 68% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Swansea has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 37.1x 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
Swansea — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Swansea, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Swansea | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 860.9 | +1,788.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 129.4 | +498.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 22.5 | +3.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 11.3 | +115.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 95.7 | +376.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 731.5 | +1,290.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 61.9 | +115.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 579.6 | +1,107.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 90.0 | +66.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Swansea safer?
Swansea is safer with a total crime rate of 861 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Swansea has 129.4. Swansea 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 Swansea, MA
Swansea, MA, settled in 1667, is a suburban town in Bristol County. Its eastern border is formed by the Taunton River, and many residents commute to Providence, RI. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 17,772, Swansea has a total crime rate of 860.9 per 100,000 residents.