Is Boston or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wakefield is safer than Boston (Safety Score 89/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 78% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wakefield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 23.0x 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
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 584.0 | +2,065.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 174.9 | +453.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 56.0 | -30.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 7.0 | +119.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 111.9 | +360.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 409.2 | +1,612.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 45.5 | +132.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 293.8 | +1,393.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 69.9 | +86.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 78% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield 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 Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.